|Maksam Tayeng|

PASIGHAT, Aug 7: The Namsing village, CO HQ of Namsing Circle under Mebo Sub-Division here in East Siang District is currently reeling under serious drought this year due to low rainfall despite the monsoon almost passing half the season.

While narrating their worry over low rainfall and possible drought looming famine like situation to the households of around 230 families of Namsing village if rain God doesn’t bless the village, Gaon Burah, Bohonto Perme said that even the low lying agricultural lands which once happen to get highest flow is facing drought. While former Anchal Samity Member of the village and senior leader, Gumin Tayeng said that, people used to catch fishes from this low lying agricultural land due to abundance of rainwater flow. “The drought like situation this year has made every villagers under constant worry as almost none of the villagers could able to plant/sow paddy due to inadequate rainfall this year”, added Gumin Tayeng. 

Both GB Bohonto Perme and public leader Gumin Tayeng said that, all the agricultural fields of Namsing village are rain fed and low rain has led to poor and zero sowing of paddy seedlings. However, villagers are still hoping for last minute rain and also appealing the state government to help the villagers supply adequate ration to overcome the looming famine.

To add more woes to the already worrying villagers, the Mighty Siang River is posing huge threat to the existence of Namsing village as thousands hectares of grazing land are already eroded/washed away. The Siang River which once happens to flow far away from the village has today reached almost close to the village and erosion this year is large. “After the major flood of year 2000, this year we are observing strange characteristic Siang River where waves are also dangerous. We are doubtful of Chinese side releasing extra water which need to be monitored by the state and central government”, added the villagers. 

Earlier this year, Chinese side were alleged of digging tunnel and carrying out large mining of Gold due to which turbidity level of Siang River had adversely affected biodiversity of the Siang and Brahmaputra basin.