IMPHAL August 4: Even as the flood is receding slowly in most areas, the site earmarked for the National Sports University at 44 Yaithibi Loukon at Loushipat in Thoubal district is still five feet under water.
As the flood receded in and around Pallel, the water has drained towards Yaithibi Loukon.
About 400 acres of land on the eastern side of the AH 1 and an endless stretch on the other side remain flooded. Irengban Village which has around 100 households remains completely flooded and residents evacuated to Langthabal and Sora areas.
Paddy fields of Sora, Langthabal Yaithibi Khunou and Tekcham Papan are also flooded.
The farmers informed this reporter that they have completed the rice plantation as well as weeding of the paddy fields. However it is unlikely that the water will recede anytime soon as it has increased by three feet today, they added.
The spot is geographically not feasible being the lowest lying region of Thoubal district, a farmer said.
Huge sums of Rs 100 crores sanctioned for construction of the sports university might be wasted in trying to fill the low lying areas, insisted Churamani mutum vice president, National Sports University Construction Demand Committee.
He said, we are told that world class standards will be maintained and this might require expansion from the presently estimated size.
But the present landscape selected is not feasible for any such an investment, he continued.
We wonder if the choice was a sole political decision or arrived on after proper assessment conducted by technical experts, he observed.
On the other hand a bigger size land is offered at Kouthruk Senjam Chirang without even demanding for compensation, Cheramani claimed.
He added, the grazing land unlike Laithibi Loukon is in a much higher ground and construction can start immediately.