TEZPUR, June 25 � The Sonitpur district unit of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samittee (KMSS) staged a protest programme in front of the office of the Dhekiajuli circle office on Tuesday in protest against the Government�s failure to check the unabated flood and erosion problem that has been posing a serious threat to thousands of residents of the district over the years.
It need mention here that following incessant rain during the last few days, the Brahmaputra and most of its tributaries like Gabharu, Belsiri, Jiabaharali, Mansiri, etc., have been causing severe flood and erosion at many places in Sonitpur district. As a result of the floods, a vast stretch of cropland, besides the residential areas in several places have been inundated. A number of riverine areas have also reported heavy erosion.
In the Gohpur area, about one hundred households were affected when an embankment was washed away recently by the flood waters of Satrang river. The river also changes its course often during the monsoon. The torrential rains during the last couple of days in the upper reaches of Arunachal Pradesh and as well as in the State have created an awkward condition affecting the common people in the river plains.
The National Highway 15, connecting Tezpur with Dhemaji has remaind blocked since Monday night following heavy landslides at Pathali Pahar near Banderdewa in Lakhimpur district. It has resulted in several vehicles bound for Tezpur and Itanagar getting stranded.
On the other hand, due to the unabated erosion and floods following heavy rains, the Sonai-Rupai wildlife sanctuary and the villages located in its vicinity under the Dhekiajuli revenue circle in Sonitpur district have been facing a serious threat.
The KMSS unit alleged that such condition has been persisting in the district over the years because of the Government�s failure to take timely measures to check the flood and erosion problem. The KMSS leaders alleged that rampant corruption by the officials of the departments concerned is the prime reason behind such devastation in the State.
Demanding an immediate action plan, the KMSS also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the circle officer of Dhekiajuli. Meanwhile, the Sonitpur district administration has instructed the Water Resource department to immediately reconstruct the broken embankments in the district.
