Concerns Rise Over Flood Risks in Lakhimpur as Rain Damages Key Embankment

Heavy rainfall has severely impacted the Ulfa dyke in Lakhimpur, raising concerns about potential flooding in the Aamtola area. The embankment, crucial for flood protection, has developed multiple rain cuts, prompting fears of a repeat of last year's devastating floods. Residents are increasingly anxious as pre-monsoon showers intensify, urging authorities to take swift action to reinforce the embankment and implement a permanent solution to mitigate the flood threat. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective flood management strategies in vulnerable regions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 10:43 IST

Flood Threat Looms in Aamtola Area

The 3.7-km-long agri-bund, stretching from Jorkhat-Boniyagaon to Pub-Aamtola Nepaligaon under Pachim Telahi Gaon Panchayat, has long served as a crucial flood barrier.

North Lakhimpur, May 3: Recent heavy rainfall has caused significant damage to the embankment known as the 'Ulfa dyke' in the Panigaon area of Lakhimpur, raising alarms about potential flooding in the already vulnerable Aamtola region as pre-monsoon showers persist.

This 3.7-kilometer agricultural bund, which runs from Jorkhat-Boniyagaon to Pub-Aamtola Nepaligaon under the Pachim Telahi Gaon Panchayat, has historically acted as an essential barrier against floods.

The dyke, constructed in 1989 with community involvement, received its name from the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

Last year, on May 31, the embankment was breached when floodwaters from the Ranganadi river overflowed due to the release of water from NEEPCO’s 405 MW Panyor Hydroelectric Power Plant located in Yazali, Arunachal Pradesh.

This breach at the Major Chapori section resulted in catastrophic flooding across 14 revenue villages, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

In response, temporary repairs were initiated in early June 2025 after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's visit, leading to emergency restoration efforts by the Water Resources department using geo mega tubes and geo bags, which successfully sealed the breach within 15 days. Plans for a permanent fix were slated for after the monsoon season.

Despite these repairs, the embankment has developed over 20 significant rain cuts in recent months, raising serious concerns about its stability as the monsoon approaches.

Residents are worried that another sudden release of water could lead to another breach, endangering thousands in 14 flood-prone villages. With the intensity of pre-monsoon rains increasing, anxiety is growing among the people of Aamtola and surrounding areas.

Villagers are calling on authorities to take urgent measures to reinforce the embankment and establish a long-term solution to address the ongoing flood threat.