At a time when the state is fighting tooth and nail to thwart one of the greatest challenges it has faced, which is the Covid pandemic, arrival of the natural disaster is something like a most unwanted guest. Across Arunachal, the picture, more or less is the same, rain-triggered landslides causing unending human sufferings. The current edition of the disaster is not at all unprecedented since the state has been ravaged with equal or even greater magnitude in past occasions. But, the challenge this time will be extraordinary as almost the whole of the state machinery is now engaged in battling the pandemic, which is also a life-and-death issue. And it goes without mentioning that at this critical moment, the state administration must show alacrity to pull out the sufferers within least-possible time and make good the vital infrastructural loss. In other words, it’s time for the entire administrative apparatus to show the level of competence which has been the hallmark of the Covid response and for this, an extra amount of dedication and determination will be warranted.

The prevailing natural calamity has once again shown how relevant the subject of disaster management is to the state, which, in the geo-climatic context can be termed as ‘ever-vulnerable’. The most vital need for ushering development  in any sphere is road communication and it is an undeniable fact that it has always been a challenge for the state not only in laying new ones, but also in upkeeping of the existing. And after each annual bouts of rain-induced landslides, the foremost affected are the state’s roads which are highly disproportionate to the actual needs, both in numbers and quality. Presumably, this time too, damages are going to be huge, which means several months of prolonged sufferings for the people. This must also redirect attention to the clamour for the need to have a relook over the technicalities of road construction in the state. It is an ever-relevant need, once again reminded by the current disaster that there is an urgent necessity to infuse newer technologies in this regard with the intention of effecting more long-term solutions for having sturdy roads.

It is welcoming that the state has assured to stand by the sufferers. But, the greater portion of the onus must be shouldered by the Centre since it is a fact that the state exchequer, just like its several other counterparts is under strain due to the disruption of normal economic activities, the principal source of revenue generation.

Arunachal is about to face another challenge and the Centre must extend its helping hand with adequate relief measures. But, beyond this ad hoc help, there is also the need for further development of the disaster management apparatus and bringing qualitative changes in vital infra build-ups procedures. 

---

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

<< Back to News List