Amidst the devastating impact of Cyclone Remal in Manipur, two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, Public Health Engineering Minister Leishangthem Susindro and Rajkumar Imo Singh, took a hands-on approach to address the flooding situation. A video of their efforts has gone viral on social media, showcasing their use of a bulldozer to remove rubbish from the clogged Nambul River in the heart of Imphal, the state capital.
In response to the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, the Nambul River overflowed, breaching riverbanks in several areas. The accumulation of rubbish had exacerbated the situation by obstructing the natural flow of water. To combat this, Minister Susindro, clad in heavy-duty rubber boots, operated the bulldozer while MLA Singh assisted him.
Their initiative sparked a mix of reactions on social media. While many users applauded their efforts, others questioned the appropriateness of elected officials engaging in such manual labor. Nonetheless, the MLAs emphasized the significance of clearing the river to prevent further flooding and protect the surrounding areas.
MLA Singh, taking to social media, expressed the hope that removing the waste would ensure a smooth flow of water and mitigate flooding near Sagolband and Uripok. He also urged residents to refrain from littering in the river, emphasizing the need to preserve the river ecosystem.
The efforts of the BJP MLAs complement the ongoing rescue and relief operations being carried out by central forces, including the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Manipur Police, irrigation department personnel, and the fire department.
