‘Only judicious use of the river can save Ranganadi’: Samudra Gupta Kashyap

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: “Rivers become furious when we oppress it, when we obstruct its natural flow. Then they cause massive devastation. The culture and civilization of Assam can’t last long without the rivers,” stated Samudra Gupta Kashyap in Lakhimpur on Thursday while taking part as chief guest in the concluding day programmes of the Ranganadi Literary Festival held at Amtala-Dambukial in the downstream of the river.

In connection with his lecture, the former journalist, recalled the memories of his experience which he attained while coming to collect report of the post flood situation at Amtala-Joinpur area after the Ranganadi flood caused by the release of excess water from NEEPCO operated Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project breached the right embankment of the river on July 9 in 2017.

“When I came to this place two years back, I saw the massive devastation of Ranganadi flood caused by the release of excess water from the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project. I saw the person, who earned his living by organizing puppet show, searching his puppets and musical instruments under the layer of siltation after his residential house was washed away. I saw his little son too, searching his books under the mud. These were the simple examples of the heart- rending plights of the flood victims. I contacted with the head of the NEEPCO to know why the excess water was non- prudentially released from the dam. Then he informed me that they were compelled to released the water, otherwise, the mood of devastation would have been more than that. His statement regarding the issue is a matter of deep concern,” he added.

It needs to mention here that the Ranganadi Literary Festival, which was organized with a three day long agenda with a view to research and explore the root of the Rangadi river, concluded with success on Thursday. The agenda of the concluding day began with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by social activist Gopal Bhagawati and a Borgeet by student artiste Kadturi Dutta. It was followed by the symposium entitled as ‘Ranganadi’ which was chaired by former principal of ADK HS School, Niran Kumar Borah.

Attending in the programme as chief guest, Kashyap said that there are many similarities between Ranganadi and the mighty Brahmaputra which are known as Red Rivers. He expressed his concern over the changing character of the Ranganadi which was being used for the materialistic benefit only, thereby posing threat to the riverine civilization.

In the same programme, ‘Ranganadi’, the 360 page souvenir of the extravaganza, edited by Sanjib Borah, Lila Saikia and Rintu Saikia, was released by the chief guest Samudra Gupta Kashyap.

Also Read: Assam Rains: 76 Villages washed away, 25,000 affected As Arunachal Pradesh opens the Ranganadi dam