Assam CM Addresses Landslide Concerns Near Dikhow River
Assam Chief Minister's Reassurance
An image of the Dikhow River after the reported landslide. (AT Photo)
Jorhat, Oct 1: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has sought to ease public anxiety regarding a potential landslide and blockage of the Dikhow River in Nagaland. He assured that there is no reason for alarm as both states are actively monitoring the situation.
“The circulating information is not entirely accurate. We are in constant communication with Nagaland officials, and the Deputy Commissioner of Longleng has provided us with updates. There is no need for concern or panic,” Sarma stated.
This clarification follows an audio message from the Longleng district administration that circulated on Wednesday, warning of a landslide risk between Yaongyimsen village in Mokokchung district and Yongshei village in Longleng district.
Cabinet Minister Bimal Borah mentioned that officials inspected the area after the message raised fears of water being trapped upstream, and they found no immediate cause for worry.
“A voice message circulated yesterday claimed that water was trapped in Nagaland, causing fears of a disaster. Upon receiving this information, I alerted the Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner, who contacted Longleng officials. They visited the site this morning and assessed the situation. There is no cause for concern, as confirmed by the Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner,” Borah explained.
Initial reports from the chairman of Yongshei village indicated that approximately 80% of the river channel was blocked, with only 20% of the water continuing to flow.
This report raised alarms among communities downstream in Assam, particularly in Sivasagar, which experienced severe flooding earlier this year.
Sivasagar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav stated that the district administration received information from Nagaland on Wednesday and promptly coordinated with officials across the border.
A team was dispatched to verify the situation on-site. Yadav noted that subsequent evaluations showed no unusual changes in the flow or water levels of the Dikhow in downstream areas.
“We received a photograph today showing the river flowing smoothly, with water moving normally through the channel. The water levels in our rivers remain steady, so there is no reason for panic,” he added.
The Sivasagar administration reported that preliminary inquiries with villages downstream of the reported site also found no abnormalities in the river’s flow or water levels.
Officials continue to monitor the Dikhow, particularly at Bihubar, where the river has been under close observation following past flooding incidents.
Yadav mentioned that the administration has alerted residents in vulnerable areas as a precaution and is prepared to respond to any unforeseen developments.
“The flooding in July was completely unexpected. This time, the administration is ready for any unforeseen situation. Residents have been alerted, and if necessary, they will be relocated to safer areas,” he stated.
Residents in low-lying areas along the Dikhow have been advised to stay vigilant without succumbing to panic, adhere to official advisories, and keep essential emergency supplies on hand.
The administration is also in communication with village authorities in Nagaland and is monitoring changes in the river’s water level at Bihubar.
Residents are encouraged to report any unusual rises in water levels or other developments to the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).
The Sivasagar DEOC can be contacted at 84718-64355 or via the toll-free number 03772-1077.