SIVASAGAR, March 2 - Despite the government�s assurance of undertaking speedy repair work on the critically endangered Dikhow embankment at Raghubari near Dikhowmukh, besides an emergency visit by then Water Resource Minister Keshav Mahanta, who gave instructions to the department for taking up urgent repairs on a war footing while assessing the damage inflicted by the overflowing Dikhow, nothing has unfortunately materialised on the ground over the last six months.
With the onset of the rainy season, the threat of a massive deluge looms large over entire Jokaisuk Mouza.
Last year, the embankment could be saved only through the tireless effort of the executive engineer, the employees of the Water Resource Department along with the local people�s help.
However, a 100-metre stretch was swept away by swirling currents of the Dikhow. The people then erected bamboo porcupines and took temporary measures throughout the night on July 30 last year to seal the breach and repair the damage.
It is reported that funds to the tune of approximately Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned from the Disaster Management Cell of the government.
If repair works are not undertaken on a war footing, it may otherwise spell doom for the entire population of Raghubari, Katanigaon, Bharaluwa, Gaurisagar, Dikhowmukh, Khonamukh etc., areas. Local youths Pankaj Borthakur, Ratul Bharali, Rohini Borthakur and Padum Saikia told The Assam Tribune recently about the heart-rending condition of the area during the last deluge, consequent erosion and the panic that gripped the villagers. They urged the authority to resume repair work on the embankment on a priority basis in order to safeguard the lives and property of ruralites in about 25 villages of the area.
Not surprisingly, the Dikhow embankment is in a very bad shape in several other areas too. The embankment at Hanhsora, Serekapar and in Konwarpur is also very vulnerable and merits urgent repair. Or, is the authority concerned waiting for disaster to strike, the socially-conscious section of tax-payers here have wondered.
