Maksam Tayeng

PASIGHAT, May 11: To stave off destruction and a repeat of previous years massive Siang flooding, the Sigar and Raling villages have joined the list of villages to build a major boulder bund on Friday on self help. These two downstream villages raised the flood control structure under the initiative of Siang Ecosystem Environment Protection and Nurture Group (SEEANG).
The bund has been raised at a crucial location from where the Siang river turns towards left bank side causing erosion in the downstream villages like Borguli, New Borguli, Seram, Kongkul, Namsing, Gadum and Mer under Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang District. Due to massive flood in the Siang River associated with unusual high tides last year thousands of hectares of land were eroded and washed away. Many households in Seram village dismantled their residences including the village’s old community hall fearing the worst.
Pre-monsoon showers have lashed the state for well over a week now leading to rise in the water level of the Siang triggering concern of a repeat flooding.
Gaon Burahs of Sigar and Raling village, who are personally supervising and monitoring the work said, the need of the hour is to protect the villages and agricultural land from the cascading Siang river as pre-monsoon rain from more than a week here has caused surge in the water level which is likely to cause large scale damages like previous years. The GBs are also aware that government funding may take time, so flood control works built by using boulders/stones voluntarily is their best bet.
SEEANG President, Yemling Tayeng and Secretary General, Group Captain retired (IAF), Mohonto Panging termed the initiative a people’s movement and said that awareness to raise flood protection works is gaining momentum and assistance is coming in from NGOs, individuals etc. The duo hoped for timely release of Rs. 35 Crore as assured by Chief Minister, Pema Khandu for flood hit areas of Mebo Sub-Division after the model code of conduct is lifted.
The flood control works will last for around 10 days, when Motum village will start constructing another bund in a major location, said Panging. The manpower working is supported by many groups and individuals, who are providing lunch and other basic items as help, he added.

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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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