The torrential rains have thrown normal life out of gear across the state including the capital complex. Itanagar-Naharlagun is witnessing flood like situation with all rivers and streams flowing in spate inundating low lying areas and threatening thousands of inhabitants.

The death of a 5-year old in the surging waters of Senki river a couple of days back and death in landslides is very sad but unfortunately such incidents have become the norm especially during the monsoon period. Even though its human nature to blame Mother Nature but the fact remains that many of these tragedies are manmade if not aggravated due to human interference.

Itanagar in particular has been waiting for disaster to happen and many more are bound to take place if things don’t change drastically. It is a common sight around the capital complex to see natural streams and channels constricted to narrow outlets, so that more ground can be reclaimed for construction. Such unscientific and shaky foundations houses a substantial number of capital dwellers.

Violations of laid down environmental norms, unchecked earth-cutting and construction at vulnerable areas has resulted in massive landslides leading to loss of lives and properties.

But going by how things are, no one has learned any lessons— neither the administration nor the people. Torrential rainfall over the past few days has thrown life out of gear with many reports of landslides, floods and rivers in spate. Floods and landslides is a cyclical occurrence every monsoon but nature alone is not to be blamed as a countless invasive activities of man has resulted in the problems worsening manifold.

Wanton human activity in the name of development is a cause of concern but poor disaster preparedness is an even bigger concern.

Also in the absence of strict guidelines, illegal and poor quality construction is carrying on unabated. Disaster preparedness cannot be only the administration’s duty but must be a collective responsibility. 

In abiding the set guidelines especially the construction norms, the extent of damage can be greatly reduced; thus, saving precious lives. The need of the hour therefore is responsible and sensible development.