Guwahati – Assam’s Minister for Water Resources, Pijush Hazarika, has issued a stern warning, declaring that the state government will maintain a vigilant watch over all ongoing flood and erosion control projects, with absolutely no room for tardiness or oversight.
The minister underscored the paramount importance of public safety, especially as the monsoon season continues to pose a formidable challenge to the state.
Minister Hazarika revealed that high-ranking officials from the Water Resources Department, alongside dedicated engineers and on-ground personnel, have been meticulously inspecting critical sites across the state. Their recent visits included the vital breach closing work on the Right Bank of the River Longai in Dullavpur, a crucial undertaking to prevent widespread inundation. The team also assessed the challenging erosion situation on the Left Bank of the River Shingla in Panchdali, where land loss has been a persistent concern for local communities.
Further, the minister highlighted the review of essential repair work at Karchar Khal, specifically near the sluice gate on the Right Bank of the River Longai. This area, falling under the Sribhumi Water Resources Division, had sustained breach-like damage, and its prompt repair is seen as instrumental in safeguarding adjacent habitations from potential flood devastation.
In a direct engagement with affected communities, Minister Hazarika shared details of his recent visit to Borachuburi in Da-Parbatia, a region perennially battered by floods and erosion. “I went there to assess the situation firsthand and assured the people that the government is committed to taking every necessary step to resolve their problems,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s resolve to alleviate the plight of its citizens.
The minister also extended his appreciation to the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metro for their proactive role. The Deputy Commissioner recently inspected the ongoing construction of a robust RCC flood wall and the crucial strengthening of the sluice gate at Khanajan Channel. These significant projects, financed through the NIDA and NABARD schemes, are being executed under the purview of the Kamrup Metro Water Resources Division, headquartered in Guwahati. The overarching aim is to bolster flood defenses in one of Assam’s most densely populated districts, a move vital for protecting lives and livelihoods. Assam, with its network of mighty rivers like the Brahmaputra and its tributaries such as the Longai and Shingla, frequently grapples with the devastating impact of floods and erosion, leading to extensive damage to homes, agricultural lands, and public infrastructure.
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