The full onslaught of monsoon is yet to arrive but the ravage caused by flash flood across the state is making the general public and the administration, a worried lot. West Kameng district especially Dirang has already witnessed few episodes of cloudbursts and trail of devastation. Powerful natural forces, ill-equipped administration and wilful residents all make up for a recipe of disaster.

But as powerful and unpredictable Mother Nature is, the intensity of destruction is our undoing.

In the name of development, we have blocked natural water pathways, constricting them or in most cases blocking them altogether to create space for building construction without giving any attention to the possible consequences. Landscape contouring is both a science and an art but here especially in the twin capital cities, anybody with access to money and a JCB can maraud fragile hill slopes, the consequences of which are amply observed during the monsoon downpour.

Itanagar though lacking in facilities, is an urban centre in every sense of the word. The city has seen a steady rise in population both by natural increase and migration. For the many Arunachalees of far-flung areas and the migrant community, this is a place where they come to earn a livelihood and fulfil their dreams. But is Itanagar prepared to manage its ever growing demography, is a question worth asking?

Finding accommodation here is a herculean task, forcing numerous people to camp in unsafe areas and houses. They often pay a heavy price and the few unfortunate do it with their lives.

The district administration last year identified few places which could act as emergency safe shelters during disaster situations here in the Capital Complex. How far has this venture progressed, no one knows? However, this is an initiative which must be pushed with all sincerity. Given the fact that the state and capital complex in particular has taken the hit quite early this rainy season, this move can save precious lives.

Also imperative is for the authorities to exercise strict building norms and have the will and commitment not to baulk under political or any other kind of pressure.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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