Assam vis-a-vis flood

Assam and flood are synonyms. Assam has learnt to live with flood. Frankly speaking, we are not averse to it! At the same time it is to be highlighted that, nobody seems to have time to scratch his/her head to find out a long-term solution on this vexed problem of the state. However, one thing is for sure that we are finished, if we don't learn to keep pace with time. Science and technology are making big strides in every field under the sun. Today's technology would be obsolete tomorrow. As such we should not do what we did in 1950's. It is true that the engineers of the Flood Control department, Assam are adopting the same age-old methods to contain flood. Obviously, no new and workable idea would emerge without proper research in the field.

Scientists and experts in the field opined that construction of embankments/ dykes are no solution to control flood. Rather, many suggest that the flood water of rivers should be allowed to spread along the banks unimpeded, keeping many advantages in view. Notwithstanding the fact, it is time to take a call urgently on this issue by our engineers / policy makers. We know that the Netherlands is very successful in controlling flood. Their experts and expertise in this field are the best in the world. If I remember correctly, our engineers and politicians already visited the Netherlands around 4 years back to study and to find a workable solution on flood control. Therefore, the people of Assam need to know the roadmap and the action plan initiated to make the mission a successful one.

Prafulla Dowarah,

Guwahati