Newly-built DTP Dyke makes Dibrugarh residents health conscious

From a Correspondent

Dibrugarh, Jan 18: In a remarkable case of one vital move leading to another essential development, the newly-built DTP Dyke of Dibrugarh is turning the residents health-conscious. The embankment was built for the first time in the year 1954-1955, in response to the devastation caused by the earthquake of 1950, in order to protect the town from the future vagaries of the mighty river Brahmaputra. However, over the years, due to lack of maintence, the dyke had gone dilapidated. It was in this background that a major plan was rolled out by Flood and River Erosion Magement Agency of Assam (FREMAA) to reinforce and raise the height of the DTP Dyke. The construction work started in 2014 and the embankment was complete by early 2017. Given its importance, the new DTP Dyke was iugurated by Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal amidst great pomp and show.

With the new embankment coming into being, the tives heaved a sigh of relief, for they felt safer than before. However, another blessing has ensued with time. The locals have started using the structure for health benefits. People from all walks of life are seen using it for morning and evening walks, jogging, cycling and other forms of exercises. Be it the senior citizens or youth, patients or doctors, civilian or army, everyone is making the most of it. Even the ones who did not pay any heed to the concept of physical well-being earlier are now taking to healthy pursuits with much alacrity. Moreover, the embankment attracts not just the people living in its vicinity, but also the ones staying far away from it. Although efforts were made in the past to eble the residents live a healthy life, they could not have far-reaching effects. One such endeavour was the construction of Joggers Park behind the Dibrugarh District and Sessions Court. The place soon came to be used for arranging laughter clubs and yoga sessions, but was unfortutely washed away by the river within a short time. Another important development has been the re-emergence of cycling. That cycling can help one lead a healthy lifestyle is a well-established fact, but the pattern had taken a backseat in face of increased mechanization. Nevertheless, the new DTP Dyke has encouraged many, especially the young and the middle-aged people, to reap the benefits of the practice. As a matter of fact, the demand for racing bicycles and bicycle helmets has gone up in the city, marking a refreshing departure from the heightened craze for gadgets and gizmos. This new- found love for exercises among the locals has also had a tural consequence – people are waking up early and hence, their daily productivity has increased.

Dibrugarh does not have enough public spots for revitalization. Keeping this in view, the DTP Dyke has become a primary crowd-puller in this direction. The embankment can go a long way in keeping the residents fit and free from ailments and malaise. However, a few measures by the authorities could make the process even more fruitful and secure. Though the embankment is otherwise safe, groups of rowdy men are often found playing cards while sitting in the middle of the dyke. Some of these people also pass unsolicited and lecherous remarks at women, especially young girls. Also, many illegal shanties have mushroomed along the embankment whose dwellers engage in unlawful activities. Such conditions may prove counterproductive and keep women away from the dyke. Hence, it calls for immediate action against such activities.

All in all, at a time when the tiol Health Policy, 2017, has held lifestyle disease as a major threat to the current Indian population, the people of Dibrugarh resorting to such health-friendly practices is certainly a positive sign. Regular exercises can help them combat diseases like diabetes and extreme levels of blood pressure – a growing cause of concern in the region.