Barak, Tributaries Flow over Danger Marks

Special Correspondent

Silchar: The ceaseless downpour during the last one week have led Barak and its tributaries, Katakhal, Dhaleswari, Jatinga, Longai, Shingla and Kushiara to overflow and cross the red mark, inundating low lying areas and agricultural lands in its spate. This is further compounded by the incessant rains in the catchment areas of the rivers originating from Dima Hasao district, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura and flowing through this valley. If weather remains foul, the prospect of an imminent flood cannot be ruled out.

The district administration in all the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi is on alert and taking stock of the situation. As the rivers continue to flow above danger level, around 60 villages in Cachar and Karimganj have been flooded. In Karimganj, areas coming under flood waters are Patharkandi-Ramrishna Nagar and southern fringes bordering Bangladesh. Hundreds of hectares of agriculture lands in both the districts are under water. People, particularly in the Katigorah revenue circle, rendered homeless due to flooding of their houses are sheltered in five relief camps. At least, six border outposts manned by BSF at Peernagar, Mahadebpur, Nilmani, Chandsrikona, Lakhibazar and Tesua have come under the spate of waters of flooded rivers.

Water Resources Department is keeping close watch on the dykes and embankments and the breaches are being plugged with sand filled bags. Achinta Roy, executive engineer, Karimganj Water Resources Department, said round the clock vigil is being maintained along the vulnerable dykes of Longai and Kushiara. Officiating Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj, Ranjit Kumar Laskar, has directed the department of health and family welfare department to take necessary preventive measures against outbreak of any water borne diseases among the flood affected people. On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Laya Madduri, said particular focus is on the rickety embankment along Betukandi village following seepages caused by the swirling and surging waters of Barak, leading to water logging of various residential areas of this town. A Rs 10 crore plan to strengthen the fragile embankment has been sent to Dispur for approval.

During this first spell of flood like situation, the town of Silchar has been badly affected due to water logging. Link Road on the western side has been turned into a canal. National Highway point at Rangirkhari looks like the left over part of a river. Shillongpatty in the very heart of the town takes the shape of a pool of water. Even the highest point of Silchar called Nazirpatty, a busy commercial centre, has been inundated. The outlets and flush out passages to carry away excess rain waters are blocked. The drainage system has collapsed.

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