Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah inspects flood-damaged embankments in Darrang, directs assessment of strengthening needs
Darrang, August 10
Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Monday inspected embankment breaches and flood-affected areas at several locations in Darrang district to assess the damage and identify immediate and long-term measures required for strengthening flood protection infrastructure.
During the inspection, Baruah visited the embankment breach sites at Outola and Mathanga villages, the Kapilisatra-Kulshi river embankment breach site, Patharighat and Dipila.
He later held a meeting with the district administration at the Khatara Satra Conference Hall to review the situation and discuss the requirements for rehabilitation and restoration.
At the affected embankment, the Minister noted that while strengthening work had been undertaken on the left side, the right-side embankment, particularly the RS work, had remained pending for a considerable period.
The recent floodwaters damaged several portions of the approximately 14-kilometre stretch, with seepage and breaches reported at different locations.
"Since the right-side embankment was not strengthened, the recent floodwaters caused damage at several places. I have taken note of the requirement for RS work and will assess the remaining areas before placing the requirements before the departmental Minister and the Chief Minister," Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said.
He also emphasised the need for a scientific assessment of areas along the Kulsi river where embankments may be required.
"The existing 14-kilometre embankment along the Saktola river, being old, also needs to be raised and strengthened," he said.
The Minister said that relief operations had already commenced following the floods, while rehabilitation measures were also underway.
He further informed that essential materials, including phenyl and bleaching powder, would be provided immediately as required.
Strengthening work had been taken up along approximately 26 kilometres of the embankment, but around 10 kilometres remained incomplete when the floods arrived. Residents have submitted a demand for developing the stretch as a road-cum-embankment, similar to the facility on the opposite side of the river. Baruah said the demand had been received in writing and would be examined.
He also assured that compensation and rehabilitation assistance for damaged agricultural fields, ponds and houses would be provided in accordance with government norms.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Our farmers in Darrang have suffered immensely this year. Paddy fields submerged, ponds destroyed... It's good that the Minister acknowledged the need for scientific assessment. But we need action, not just assurances. The road-cum-embankment demand has been pending for years now. 😔
Why does the right side always get neglected? This is the same story every year - left side gets strengthened, right side gets breached. The RS work mentioned has been pending for a 'considerable period' as the Minister himself admitted. Someone needs to be held accountable for this repeated negligence.
Appreciate the Minister's hands-on approach in inspecting the damage personally. The 14-km stretch needs immediate attention, especially the old Saktola embankment that needs raising. Better late than never, but let's hope the rehabilitation reaches the affected families quickly, especially the sanitation materials promised.
The people of Darrang are resilient, but this annual flood cycle is exhausting. The Minister's visit gives some hope - at least the demand for road-cum-embankment has been noted in writing. Looking forward to seeing concrete plans, not just election-time promises. 🤞
Good initiative, but I wish the minister had also addressed why the 10 km of incomplete work was left exposed when the floods hit. This is a recurring pattern across Assam - funds get sanctioned but work lags behind. Need better monitoring and accountability at the department level.
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