CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's out-of-the-box plans to minimize flood fury

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has drawn a few out-of-the-box plans to minimize the flood fury.

The Chief Minister has instructed the departments concerned to construct highlands in flood-prone areas for affected people to take shelter at the time of the deluge.

A few days back, the Chief Minister proposed the construction of sluice gates on embankments after certain intervals to let water pass through when the water pressure becomes very high. It will minimize embankment breaches to a large extent, besides sudden damage. The Water Resources Department has already initiated the execution of the plan.

On Monday, Chief Minister visited Jogijan, a flood-affected area in the Hojai district. He feels that an embankment along the River Kopili is a must to save the people from the wrath of floods. It will take at least two years to construct the proposed embankment. He, therefore, has taken an alternative plan to make six highlands in the area to give people immediate relief when there is a flood. The proposed highlands will be helpful till the proposed embankment comes up there.

According to Water Resources Department officials, the Chief Minister's out-of-the-box solution sounds odd apparently. "However, when we delve deep into them, we get a lot of substance. The proposed highlands will be ready shelter places for families during floods. The breach of embankments under heavy water pressure causes huge damage to property and lives, besides livestock and standing crops. Sluice gates in embankments can minimize the water pressure by releasing water. It will give time to the affected people to move away to safer areas with their valuables," an official said.

Such highlands came up in the Kaziranga National Park, where animals take shelter during floods. Similar highlands also came up in a few districts. They serve as shelter places for cattle during floods.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika has instructed the chief engineers and officials to submit a detailed report on the number of embankment breaches LAC-wise within 24 hours. He has also asked the engineers and officers to select the spots where sluice gates are necessary. He also asked the department engineers and officials to start restoration works in August.

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