SILCHAR, Nov 22 - In a bid to stop erosion by the Barak river at Steamer Ghat here, Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned from the Chief Minister�s special package. Laying the foundation stone for the work which will stretch upto 159 metres on the left bank of the river, Silchar MLA Dilip Kumar Paul said that the apathy of the former government at this crucial site which is prone to erosion since 2011-12 has led to such a grave situation now.
�We have a responsibility towards the people who have reposed their faith on us. No compromise in executing the work shall be tolerated. The project under the Chief Minister�s special package must be completed within March next year so that rains do not hinder the pace of work,� the legislator told the concerned contractor and also the officials of the Water Resources Department on the occassion. Former local municipal commissioner Bijendra Prasad Singh urged the officials of the Water Resources Department to focus on the vulnerable pockets on the left bank of the river Barak so that Rs 2 crore sanctioned is properly utilised.
Later, talking to The Assam Tribune, Additional Chief Engineer of the department PK Turung said, �the river Barak has a lot of meandering, scouring and seepages. The point we are concerned about here will be to mend with filter drain and apron in phase-I.
Also, we shall put geo bags filled with silt and geo sheets so that erosion is prevented in the area. The geo sheets will drain out the water without disturbing the soil.�
Meanwhile, local residents urged the officials to visit the erosion-hit areas along the stretch and assess the need for imminent repair work.
Pulok Das, nominee of Silchar MP Dr Rajdeep Roy, Executive Engineer of Water Resources Department Asit Deb and other officials and local residents took part in the meeting.
