A joint inspection conducted on Saturday by members of four civil society organisations has uncovered significant gaps in ongoing flood mitigation works across key drainage channels and embankments in Barak Valley, stirring fresh concerns about the region's readiness for urban flooding.
Inspection Details
Accompanied by officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), including Assistant Executive Engineer Debashis Acharya, representatives from the United Forum for Barak Valley Development, March for Science, Pragatisheel Nagarik Manch, and Nagarik Swartharaksha Sangram Parishad visited the Rangirkhal and Longaikhal canals, as well as the Berenga Nathpara embankment.
Findings at Rangirkhal and Longaikhal
The team observed that the construction of a guard wall at Rangirkhal remains incomplete, extending only up to the Shib Colony bridge behind the cremation ground. Additionally, excavated soil from desilting activities has been dumped within and along the canal, reducing its depth and obstructing water flow. Satyajit Gupta, a member of the inspection team, warned, "Without coordinated and time-bound action, the region will continue to face artificial floods and waterlogging every monsoon."
WRD officials claimed that the guard wall construction and removal of excavated material were the responsibility of the irrigation wing of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA). However, the inspection team noted that the incomplete work and improper soil disposal undermine drainage improvement efforts. While officials maintained that their role was limited to clearing floating waste and water hyacinth, the team found that even this task had been only partially carried out.
Improper Waste Disposal
The inspection team also flagged the practice of piling removed waste along canal banks without proper disposal, raising the risk of it being washed back into the drains during the monsoon season.
Berenga Nathpara Embankment
At Berenga Nathpara, work on laying stitched geo-bags along the embankment is nearing completion and is expected to finish within a few days. However, repair of the breached upper section of the embankment has yet to begin, despite the project deadline having expired on March 31.
The findings highlight a lack of coordination among agencies, which could exacerbate flooding risks in the region during the upcoming monsoon.
