GSI team calls on Hailakandi DC; suggests measures to mitigate problem of erosion

June 8: A team of Geologists from Geological Survey of India (GSI) called on Deputy Commissioner, Megh Nidhi Dahal at his official residence on Monday and apprised him about the findings of the survey conducted at the landslide hit areas of the district. The GSI team that met the Deputy Commissioner included Geologists Apenthung Kikon, Kumtila Lemdur, Nethushree KJ and Suma CS. The Geologists said the preliminary findings of post disaster landslide studies and related vulnerability in the vicinity would be handed over to the GSI, Assam Unit and Regional Mission Head IV, Shillong for further assessment and evaluation.

The team of Geologists during their two-day visit here carried out studies at two landslide affected areas at Mohonpur Grant under Hailakandi revenue circle and another spot at Chandipur Grant under Algapur revenue circle. Eight persons died at these landslide prone areas following incessant rainfall on June 2. The GSI team suggested measures such as vegetation cover in the landslide prone areas to prevent soil erosion. “Efforts should be made to maintain greenery particularly at slopes. Provision should also be made at community level to prevent people from excavating, removing material from the soil or cutting trees. Tress should be planted on slopes and slope base to prevent erosion,” Geologist Kikon told Deputy Commissioner Dahal.

The team suggested maintenance of record of erosion, landslide masses and falling rocks. “Before giving permission for construction of houses, information should be gathered about the site and history of landslide in the area. During construction of a house on a slope, design that suits the natural slope should be adopted,” they said, adding that vegetation and large trees should not be removed during construction.

The Geologists pointed out that in order to prevent disaster from taking place, natural streams or drainage path should not be obstructed during construction. “Surface water should be diverted towards the natural gallery enabling water to quickly drain away from the slope. Bamboo or tree trunk deep below the soil fencing needs to be done if a portion of the land is removed while constructing house as a temporary measure,” they quipped.
Deputy Commissioner, Dahal thanked the Geologists for conducting the survey at the landslide hit areas and hoped that their findings would help to prevent recurrence of disaster. He assured that the administration would pitch in its efforts to help prevent disasters from taking place.

District Project Officer, District Disaster Management Authority, Rupjoy Maibangsa was also present during the interaction. The GSI team headed back to Guwahati on Monday morning after completing the survey in all the landslide hit areas of the three districts of Barak Valley.