Three villages along the banks of the River Manu are living in constant fear of flash floods due to the deteriorating condition of the embankment. Despite urgent repairs being undertaken in other parts of the Kailashahar subdivision, the villagers claim that no efforts have been made to reinforce the embankment protecting their homes.
The affected villages—Bir Chandra Nagar Gram Panchayat, Ful Tali, Jarul Tali, and Chhaina Tali—are home to around 7,000 people. With the onset of the monsoon season, the water level of the River Manu is expected to rise, intensifying the risk of flooding. Villagers have reported significant soil erosion along the embankment, weakening its foundation and increasing their vulnerability to calamities.
Concerned over the looming threat, local representatives have been actively seeking intervention. Recently, Baby Rudra Pal, Panchayat Pradhan of Bir Chandra Nagar Gram Panchayat, along with Upa Pradhan Sanjay Debroy and other panchayat members, brought the issue to the attention of local MLA and Minister Tinku Roy. The Minister, acknowledging their concerns, advised them to formally escalate the matter to the appropriate authorities through the District Magistrate.
Following this, a memorandum detailing the villagers’ apprehensions and the urgent need for embankment repairs was submitted to Unakoti District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma, Kailashahar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradip Sarkar, and Executive Engineer of the Flood Control Department, Ranjoy Debbarma. The memorandum emphasized that any delay in addressing the issue could lead to catastrophic consequences for the villagers, especially if heavy rains cause the embankment to collapse.
Responding promptly, a team of officials led by the Executive Engineer of Flood Control visited the affected areas on Thursday to conduct a preliminary survey. According to local sources, the inspection revealed multiple cracks and weak sections along a five-kilometer stretch of the embankment, posing a serious risk to the surrounding villages.
Providing an update on the situation, Upa Pradhan Sanjay Debroy stated, “A five-kilometer stretch of the embankment, from the eastern part of Dolugao Bazar to the Swiss Gate in Baroitali, will be reconstructed. The height of the embankment will also be raised by five feet, and its width will be expanded by six meters to enhance its durability. This will not only strengthen the structure but also provide better flood protection to the residents.”
He further warned that if the repair work is not executed at the earliest, the villagers will be left vulnerable to severe flooding, leading to displacement, property damage, and loss of livelihoods. Many of the residents depend on agriculture for their sustenance, and even minor flooding could lead to massive crop losses, exacerbating their economic hardships.
It is worth noting that the embankment was originally built in 1978, and over the decades, no significant measures have been taken to fortify the structure. Over the years, natural wear and tear, combined with neglect, have caused portions of the embankment to weaken. Several past attempts by the villagers to draw attention to the issue were met with temporary fixes rather than long-term solutions.
With the monsoon season fast approaching, the urgency for immediate action has never been greater. The villagers, already living in anxiety, hope that this time, their concerns will not go unheard, and concrete measures will be taken before disaster strikes.
With Inputs and Pics from Debashish Datta, Kailasahar
