IT Correspondent
Jiribam, June 28:
In a concerning development at Jiribam railway station, the dumping of urea fertilizer bags has sparked a wave of issues affecting local farmers and livestock, according to reports.
Mongjam Gandhi, General Secretary of the All Jiribam Loumee Marup, highlighted the grave consequences of this incident. The massive influx of urea bags, delivered via railway consignment for the Manipur government, has been left exposed on the open platform. Gandhi expressed deep concern over the damage inflicted on nearby paddy fields and livestock due to the lack of proper storage facilities like warehouses.
Gandhi urgently appealed to authorities to intervene and establish adequate storage solutions to mitigate further harm. He disclosed that approximately 20 bighas of paddy fields adjacent to the railway station have suffered crop failures, attributing it directly to the spilled urea. Moreover, he reported more than 20 cows have tragically perished after consuming water contaminated by dissolved urea.
In response to the situation, transport contractor Ch. Jayenta Kumar provided insights into the logistical challenges faced. Kumar confirmed the arrival of a full rack of urea fertilizer destined for Manipur on June 23. Despite concerted efforts to mobilize transportation, he lamented the poor road conditions and security risks hampering swift relocation of the fertilizer.
Kumar emphasized the absence of suitable storage facilities in Jiribam, underscoring that the railway platform was the only available space. He stressed that if road communications were improved, he could swiftly transport all fertilizer within two days, ensuring its safety from impending monsoon rains.
Assuring the public of his commitment, Kumar pledged to expedite the transfer of the urea fertilizer at the earliest opportunity, aiming to resolve the ongoing crisis swiftly.
Local authorities have yet to comment on potential measures to address the fallout from this environmental and agricultural crisis unfolding at Jiribam railway station. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
