Monsoon nears, DC orders fast-track drainage overhaul

way2barak, May 1: In a concerted effort to reinforce flood preparedness ahead of the approaching monsoon, Cachar District Commissioner, Aayush Garg, IAS, on Thursday undertook an extensive field inspection of key drainage channels and critical flood control infrastructure across the district, focusing on improving water flow and minimising urban flood risks.

He was accompanied by the Additional District Commissioner-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Devid Kumar Borah, along with the Circle Officer of Silchar Revenue Circle, Executive Engineers from the Water Resources Department and PWD Roads (Silchar-Udharbond Division) and officials from DDMA Cachar, Silchar Municipal Corporation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The inspection team, led by the District Commissioner, closely examined three major drainage channels Rangirkhal, Longaikhal and Singirkhal ,which play a pivotal role in maintaining the region’s drainage system and flood control mechanism. Ongoing desilting and maintenance works were reviewed on-site, with attention given to the removal of accumulated silt, clearing of debris, and elimination of obstructions that hinder the natural flow of water.

Extending the inspection to major flood defence structures, the District Commissioner also visited the dykes and sluice gates of the Barak River at Bhetukandi and other vulnerable locations assessing their operational condition and readiness to handle rising water levels during the monsoon.

Emphasising urgency, the District Commissioner directed that all ongoing works be completed within a stipulated timeframe and called for an accelerated pace of execution. He also stressed the importance of proper disposal of silt and waste materials, cautioning that any lapse could lead to re-entry of debris into the channels, thereby undermining the entire exercise.

With the monsoon drawing closer, the Cachar district administration has placed special focus on enhancing the water-carrying capacity of the khals. Meanwhile, the District Commissioner instructed officials to promptly identify and address factors impeding smooth water flow, as part of a broader strategy to reduce the vulnerability of urban areas to flooding.

During the visit, instances of encroachment along the banks of Longaikhal were also observed, posing a threat to the natural drainage system.

Taking serious note, the District Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to initiate swift action for eviction in accordance with existing regulations and affirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving vital water channels.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.