ITANAGAR , Aug 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki along with a high level State Disaster Management team conducted extensive aerial survey today to assess the quantum of damages in the eastern part of the state caused by heavy downpour triggering flash floods.

While road communication has been totally disrupted in the districts like Dibang Valley and Anjaw, the flood affected low land areas (foothills) are yet to be brought to normalcy.  There have been reports pouring in about huge loss of Agricultural/Horticultural fields besides losses of livestock and properties worth crores of rupees.

During his recent visit to New Delhi, Tuki appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs to send a high-level central team to assess the damages caused by the natural catastrophe. Tuki particularly highlighted the damages caused to road infrastructure snapping connectivity to various townships and villages in districts including the state capital Itanagar. He also informed of disruption of power and water supplies and inundation of vast lands of agriculture and horticulture causing huge losses to farmers. Ongoing projects, like hydro-power and the Trans Arunachal Highway, have also been adversely affected by the abrupt monsoon rains and cloud bursts.

The team comprising of CM, MP Ninong Ering, Parliamentary Secretary Karikho Kri, Chief Secretary, Yeshi Tsering, Disaster Management Director Y W Ringu and Chief Engineer WRD L Angu left at sharp eight in the morning from Naharlagun helipad, surveyed flood affected areas of Dollungmukh, Likabali, Nari-Koyu before landing at Pasighat for refueling.

During a brief interaction at Pasighat, East Siang Deputy Commissioner informed the visiting team about the quantum of damages caused by the torrential rain. He reported of road snapping which has been partially restored, electricity and drinking water supply problems in the district headquarter and the adjoining areas.

While discussing over the SRK Construction Pvt Ltd issue, the DC informed that the culprit involved in the attack of its employee has been arrested. The Chief Minister called for stringent action against persons disturbing the process of development.

After taking off from Pasighat, the team surveyed Mebo, Dambuk, Manabhum and Roing where the nature’s fury could be visible. The river had changed its course in several areas engulfing forests, paddy fields, horticultural gardens, houses and livestocks. The team had a brief halt at Roing where they interacted with the heads of the department of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley. Some BRO officers also attended the meeting.

Chief Minister disclosed the gathering about his meeting with the central leaders and their assurance to send a high level team to assess the damages. He further assured to provide funds for restoring the water supply in Roing Township at the earliest. Tuki requested the BRO officers to expedite restoration of Roing Anini road at the earliest.  Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Roing gave a brief report on the flood damage in the district and its adjoining areas. She requested the State government to pump in funds to restore basic requirement like drinking water, Electricity and road communication.

The team left for further survey of the worst flood hit foothill areas like, Bordumsa, Diyun, Chowkham, Namsai, Miao including Deban and Namdapha before landing at Tezu. The Tezu Nallah had been posing serious threat to the Tezu town in every monsoon and Sukha Nalah near Tezu Airport is a continuous threat to the Airport which is under construction. The Chief Minister viewed that proper planning is required to mitigate this continuous threat. He opted for building concrete retaining walls along the river ridge so that the flood does not affect the township area. The engineers informed the CM that the spate of the recent flood affected Sunpura-Tezu road also which has been severely affected creating problems for the commuters.

The CM also met delegates from Anjaw district and assured to address their genuine issues like urgent restoration of surface communication, ration sorties and adequate medicines. This was stated in a press release.