Despite fund availability, no solution to flood, erosion problem in sight: PIL
TEZPUR, Dec 11 - People of the greater Panchmile have expressed their total dissatisfaction over the Government�s lackadaisical attitude towards the perennial flood and erosion problems caused by the Jiabharali river every summer displacing hundreds of villagers over the last many years. The problem has posed a serious threat to more than 25 villages like Rajgarh, Singitoli, Jothaimari, Borghat, Rajbhoral, Dikoraijan, Kurukani, Samdhora, Tengabasti, Koroini, Saloibeel, Bihiagaon, Garshinga-Bihiagaon area and in a part of Bhumuraguri Hillock under Sootea, Rangapara and Tezpur LACs including Salonibari Air Force Station, one of India�s most important SSB training centres, Tezpur University, Indian Statistical Institute and many public properties including schools, madrassas, bridges and so on.
In a PIL, a senior advocate of Tezpur, Pulin Biswas has alleged that crores of rupees have been sanctioned for mitigating the problem including rehabilitation of the flood-displaced people of the area but to no avail. The petitioner in his PIL submitted in the Gauhati High Court stated that that due to the flooded Jiabharali river cause massive damage every year But the State Government does nothing to address the sufferings of the people. He also alleged that although huge amount of money is sanctioned for repirairing the embankments of Jiabharali river and rehabilitation of the affected persons but no concrete measure is taken by the authorities because of which villagers are left to suffer the wrath of floods every year making their lives measurable and pathetic.
�Two important institutions namely, the Tezpur University, and the ISI, Tezpur centre are situated only half a km away from Jiabharali and they are likely to be washed away if the authorities do not take immediate protective measures. A number of representations in this regard have been submitted to the authorities but there is no any response from them,� the petitioner said praying that the respondents be directed to institute an inquiry into the matter by appointing a technical expert committee in order to assess the damage and loss of property caused by the Jiabharali and for taking appropriate measures to prevent further damages in the future due to floods. The petitioner also asked that the respondents be directed to take steps for rehabilitation of displaced/uprooted persons by providing them homestead, cultivable land, equipment etc.
However, it is mentioned in the PIL report that the respondents, in their separate affidavit-in-opposition have fairly admitted that every year in Sonitpur district, huge damage is caused to public and private properties by flood and erosion and the affected residents are required to shift to safer places.
�The respondents have further stated that in the year 2011-2013 under a scheme �Anti-erosion measures to protect Jiabharali R/B from Kuttamara to Khaloibeel (Ph-I)� Rs 500.00L was spent which benefited 33,000 hectares of land and 40,000 people. And in another scheme �Protection of Tezpur University and its adjoining area from the erosion of river Jiabharali� Rs 23.18 crore is going to be spent which will benefit 15,000 hectares of land and 50,000 people. According to the respondents, one concept paper named, �Anti-erosion measures to protect different reaches from the erosion of river Jiabharali on its right bank� has been placed before the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department vide Memo dated 26.6.2015 to arrest the bank erosion at Tengabasti, Bihiagaon, Tengakhuti, Korioni Nepali Gaon and after its approval, the same will be implemented,� the PIL said.
The petitioner also mentioned that floods during the rainy season in Sonitpur district is a perennial problem and the State Government cannot be held to be unconcerned about it. The State Government spends a huge amount of money under different schemes to prevent erosion of the bank of river Jiabharali to save the public from sufferings of flood. �But it doesn�t reach the affected public. We therefore trust and hope that more effective steps will be taken by the State Government to save the properties, both private and public from getting damaged as well as lives of residents living in the affected villages.