Assam Government Plans Major Embankment Projects to Combat Flooding

New Initiatives for Flood Management in Assam

Guwahati, July 5: The Assam Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at constructing new embankments while also enhancing existing ones, as stated by Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain. He attributed the recent flash floods in North Assam, particularly in Jonai, to unexpected heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh.

In a recent interview, the Minister highlighted that over 800 kilometers of new embankments have been built in the past five years, significantly aiding flood mitigation efforts. He announced plans to construct an additional 130 kilometers of new embankments, alongside raising and reinforcing 4,000 kilometers of older structures. Borgohain noted that some of the older embankments have become ineffective due to shifting river courses.

Addressing the recent flooding in Northern Assam, Borgohain pointed to climate change as a contributing factor. He mentioned that certain regions in Arunachal Pradesh experienced a staggering 1,200 mm of rainfall within just two to three hours, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, unregulated hill cutting and construction activities in the neighboring state have led to increased debris in the rivers, worsening the flooding.

Despite the challenges, he remarked that communities outside the embankments bore the brunt of the flooding. However, he noted that the recent embankment constructions have helped mitigate issues for rivers like Gai and Dikrong this year, stating, “We did not encounter any problems even when excess water was released from the Ranganadi power plant.”

Borgohain acknowledged that lower Assam faces flooding from water flowing in from Bhutan, particularly affecting rivers like Beki and Aie, which are highly susceptible. He expressed optimism that the newly constructed embankments, the first in nearly four decades, would help manage the situation effectively this year.

The Minister also recognized erosion as a significant threat, attributing it to various factors, including changes in river courses and the proximity of human settlements to rivers. He pointed out that some individuals have established fisheries too close to the riverbanks, leading to erosion due to seepage. The rivers also transport debris, contributing to the erosion problem.

Borgohain mentioned that the most erosion-prone areas have been identified, and the Department is actively addressing these issues. “We now utilize satellite studies to pinpoint erosion-prone regions, which has greatly assisted in our efforts,” he added. One notably vulnerable area is Chabua, where two oil wells are located. The Government is making concerted efforts to combat erosion in this region. Similarly, flood and erosion challenges in Majuli have been significantly addressed, he concluded.