New Phailen

Nestled within the Thoubal district, New Phailen is a quiet hill settlement known for its traditional village structure and strong community networks. The village lies at an elevation of roughly 832 m, surrounded by forested slopes, bamboo thickets, and patches of shifting cultivation. The terrain gently descends towards small seasonal streams, with natural springs emerging from fractured rock layers and older colluvial deposits.

The local climate is mild-temperate, marked by an average temperature of 21.5 °C. Annual rainfall is high—about 2273 mm—thanks to the region's exposure to monsoon winds. The long wet season nourishes dense vegetation and maintains the perennial and semi-perennial springs that the village depends on.

The community comprises an estimated 1159 residents. Most households rely on spring water for drinking, cooking, washing, and small kitchen gardens. A number of these sources serve as shared community water points, while others are privately used by individual households or clusters. Seasonal discharge variation is common, especially during the drier winter months, making long-term monitoring important for water security planning.

Beyond water, the village maintains a mix of traditional livelihoods—small agriculture, weaving, forest-based gathering, and occasional wage labor. Social institutions, including church groups and local committees, play a key role in managing water sources and coordinating repair or protection work when needed. The broader landscape around New Phailen hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, and the springs themselves often serve as micro-habitats for aquatic insects and endemic plants.

As part of the Natural Springs Monitoring initiative, the mapping and documentation of these sources helps the village understand long-term changes in flow, quality, and reliability—ensuring better planning for the years ahead.