Thoubal district

Thoubal district (Meitei pronunciation:/ˈθɑʊbɑːl orˈθɑʊbəl/) is one of the sixteen districts of Manipur state in northeastern India. This district is bounded by Imphal East on the north, Kangpokpi District and Tengnoupal District districts on the east, Kakching district on the south and Imphal West district on the west. The district occupies an area of 324 km². The population as of 2011 is 286,687. Thoubal town is the district headquarters. This district is known for Khongjom, where the last battle of the independence of Manipur was fought in April 1891 against the British army.

In May 1983 this district came into existence when Thoubal sub-division of the erstwhile Manipur Central District (later Imphal district) with all its administrative units was transferred to form a new district. Later, in November 1983, Thoubal district was divided into Thoubal and Kakching sub-divisions comprising Kakching and Waikhong Tehsils. In 2016, Thoubal district was further divided into 2 districts: Thoubal district and Kakching district.

The district occupies the larger part of the eastern half of the Manipur Valley. The shape of the district is an irregular triangle with its base facing north. It lies between 23° 45' – 24° 45' North latitudes and 93° 45' – 94° 15' East longitudes. Its average elevation is about 790 m above the sea level. The district is dotted by a few hillocks and hills of low heights. Of these, Punam hill has an elevation of 1009 m above the sea level.

The Imphal river and the Thoubal river are the most significant rivers that flow through the district. The Thoubal River originates in the hill ranges of Ukhrul and is an important tributary of the Imphal River. It passes through Yairipok and Thoubal before joining the Imphal at Irong near Mayang Imphal. The Imphal River rises in the hills of Senapati district and flows south. It forms the northern and western boundaries of Thoubal district. Other rivers in the district are the Wangjing, the Arong and the Sekmai. These rivers originate in the hills of Ukhrul district. The Arong River flows through Khangabok and falls into Kharung Pat. The Wangjing River flows west via Heirok and Wangjing before joining the Loushi Pat.

The southwestern part of the district is a part of the Loktak Lake region and this area has a number of shallow and rain fed lakes, the important ones being Kharung, Ikop, Pumlen, Lousi and Ngangou. The Waithou Lake in the northern part of the district is formed by the drainage waters collected between Waithou hill on the west and the villages and paddy fields on the east.

The district has a moderate climate with relatively abundant and widespread rainfall. The rainy season starts in June and continue till September. Intermittent rains continue till October. The winter season lasts from December to February. During the winter months light rainfall occurs under the influence of the northeast monsoon. The average minimum temperature during winter is 4–6 °C, sometimes the minimum temperature goes below 0 °C. April and May are the summer season. The average maximum temperature is 32–35 °C during these months, seldom the maximum temperature goes beyond 37 °C. Occasional thunderstorms occur during these months. The average annual rainfall was 1318.39 mm during the period 1983–89.

Agriculture is the most important source of livelihood for the people of this district of Manipur. More than 70 per cent of the total population of the district is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural activities. The valley is fertile and the topography of Thoubal District provides good opportunity for irrigation, natural as well as artificial. Rice accounts for above 90 per cent of the total land area under cultivation. The soil of the district is fertile and with the help of irrigation facilities from the Imphal barrage double cropping is widely practiced in the district. In some areas, even triple cropping is practiced - first paddy crop starting late February or early March, second paddy crop in July and early August and the third crop of mustard seeds, pulses, etc. in November. Other crops grown in Thoubal District are sugarcane, oilseeds, maize, potatoes, pulses, chilies, etc.

The district was the largest producer of sugarcane in Manipur. Its cultivation is mainly confined to Wangjing-Tentha, Kakching, Kakching Khunou and Wabagai.