Assam: Pijush Hazarika Reviews Flood-Hit Embankment Repairs in Nagaon, Golaghat

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday visited Hatimura in Kaliabor under Nagaon district and Bongkual in Bokakhat under Golaghat district to assess the repair works of embankments damaged by floods.

While addressing the media during the visit, the minister said that last year, a portion of the embankment near the sluice gate at Kalangmukh in Hatimura was breached by the Brahmaputra River. This breach caused massive flooding and devastation across a large area. He stated that workers from the Water Resources Department had constructed a cofferdam in front of the sluice gate using geo-bags, porcupines, and other materials. As a result of this effort, around 70 meters of the breached portion could be reconnected. Later, geo-tubes were installed at the site to further strengthen the flood protection infrastructure.

Minister Hazarika further stated that all necessary emergency materials like geo-bags, porcupines, and sandbags have been adequately supplied to every district to prevent public inconvenience during the upcoming monsoon. Simultaneously, he mentioned that dredging work to restore the flow of the Kalang River will be resumed very soon.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and local MLA Keshab Mahanta was also present during the visit.

Following this, the minister visited an erosion-prone area at Riri village in Bongkual under Bokakhat constituency of Golaghat district, where the Brahmaputra River has been causing severe erosion. After inspecting the area, he directed engineers and officials of the Water Resources Department to immediately begin preventive measures against the erosion. He informed that a project involving around Rs 9 crore, covering approximately 850 meters, has already been approved under the Asian Development Bank for permanent protection at this site. The project is expected to begin in December after the monsoon season ends.

It is noteworthy that during last year’s monsoon, the Brahmaputra floodwaters breached an embankment at Bongkual. A cofferdam was constructed in front of the damaged portion, and six geo-tubes were used to reconnect the embankment immediately. On Tuesday, the minister revisited the location to assess its current status and reviewed all necessary aspects to ensure that the embankment remains secure and the local population remains unaffected during the upcoming monsoon.

Minister Hazarika praised the Water Resources Department for completing the work in a very short time. He also stated that the use of geo mega tubes has made embankment projects across the state more sustainable and significantly increased their effectiveness.

The Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department and other officials were present during the minister’s visit.

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