Meghalaya: Jirang MLA calls for Assam-Meghalaya coordination to end Byrnihat flood crisis

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Amid worsening flood conditions in Umpher village, Byrnihat, National People’s Party MLA from Jirang, Sosthenes Sohtun, highlighted the urgent need for inter-state cooperation to address the recurring crisis. Following his inspection of the flood-affected areas, accompanied by Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and officials from the National Highways Authority of India and the Public Works Department, Sohtun stressed that any permanent solution must involve the expansion of drainage infrastructure beyond the borders of Meghalaya.

Speaking to the media, Sohtun stated that he would raise the issue of cleaning the stream within Assam’s jurisdiction with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and request that he take up the matter with his Assam counterpart. He emphasized that collaboration between the two states is essential for finding a lasting resolution to the repeated flash floods affecting the area.

During the inspection, officials were joined by teachers from St Jude Secondary School and local village leaders, who described the ongoing damage caused by the floods. They urged authorities to widen local drainage systems immediately, noting that the school and several households have been severely impacted by persistent waterlogging, which has become a seasonal hardship for the community.

In response, both MLA Sohtun and Deputy Commissioner Baranwal assured residents that mitigation work would commence soon to minimize the effects of future rainfall. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the people of Umpher no longer endure recurring losses during the monsoon season and stressed the need for a coordinated drainage strategy that includes Assam, where inadequate drainage also contributes to flooding in border villages.

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