Erosion At Ranikor C&RD Block Damages Schools Property

SHILLONG: Due to incessant rains since the last week of June, the river Umngi has been in spate and repeated river erosion along the bank has caused damage to a number of schools. The high velocity of water has eroded the soil embankment causing damage

to property along with the areas lying near the river bank at Balat village, Ranikor C&RD Block.

The Deputy Commissioner, South West Khasi District, Kum Isawanda Laloo immediately instructed a team comprising of HS Diengdoh, ADC I/c Ranikor, DL Kharkongor, District Disaster Management Officer, S Lyngdoh, JE Water Resources Department to conduct a joint inspection of the affected areas.

During the inspection, it was found that one residential house and one church were affected. One temple and one school were completely eroded and one school partially affected.

Office of the Syiem Hima Maharam and an ICDS School also suffered minor damages. About 1 km along the stretch of the river Umngi till the Balat market was found to be very vulnerable.

The people residing nearby this area of the river bank are highly vulnerable since the soil along this area is not stable as it is covered mostly by loose soil. The remedial measures suggested by the team were that anti-erosion protection work is mandatory.

To prevent further aggravation by erosion, the authority recommended the matter to the Brahmaputra Board.

Meanwhile five safe shelters was identified, three at Brahmaputra House and one each at ICDS and RCLP. People residing along the vulnerable area were advised to be prepared in case of future rainfall and to evacuate immediately to the above-identified shelters.

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