Residents of Cachar Face Flood Threat as Dyke Slips Ahead of Monsoon

Concerns Rise Over Dyke Stability in Cachar

Silchar, May 14: Residents of Gobindapur Part-II in Cachar’s Katigorah are experiencing heightened anxiety as a significant section of a vital dyke has reportedly begun to slide, raising alarms about potential flooding as the monsoon approaches.

Local inhabitants have expressed that without prompt restoration efforts, over 5,000 families in surrounding villages could be at risk of severe flooding, displacement, and substantial damage to their homes, agricultural lands, and livelihoods during heavy rains.

One resident shared, “We are living in a precarious situation near the affected area. With the water levels expected to rise during the monsoon, our homes could be swept away,” highlighting the growing fear among families living near the compromised dyke.

Community members noted that a restoration initiative had already received significant funding in 2023 through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) from the Assam Water Resources Department.

Information at the site indicates that the project, named “Permanent Restoration of Breaches at Shantipur Area Along with Improvement, Stabilisation and Restoration of Other Damaged Reaches of the Dyke on the Right Bank of River Barak from Gonirgram to Katigorah (from Samuburai to Siddipur),” was approved with a total budget of Rs 45 crore.

Of this total, Rs 17.62 crore was specifically allocated for restoration and anti-erosion efforts, which included 5,284 metres of earthwork and 600 metres of protective measures against erosion.

The work order was reportedly issued to Dochania & Company Pvt. Ltd. on February 4, 2023, with a completion target set for April 30, 2023.

However, despite the substantial funding and the project being scheduled for completion nearly three years ago, residents have raised concerns about the current state of the dyke, citing significant failures in execution, oversight, and accountability.

Villagers are questioning how a dyke, repaired with considerable public funds, could again be at risk of serious vulnerability just before the monsoon season.

“Although some work was done in the area, the quality seemed inadequate, as evidenced by the recent soil sliding along the dyke, which raises fears of a major breach during heavy rainfall,” locals claimed.

In light of these issues, residents are demanding accountability and have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged negligence surrounding the project’s execution.

Many villagers have also appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to personally intervene and initiate a comprehensive inquiry.

In response, Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha stated he plans to visit the affected area on Thursday to discuss the situation with relevant authorities.

“We will take necessary actions for the repair, restoration, and reinforcement of the embankment after evaluating the ground situation,” the MLA assured.