Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today informed the Assembly that a detailed project report (DPR) is under preparation for protection of riverbanks from Patakata to Bhaitbari villages in Phulbari town from erosion by the Brahmaputra River and Jinjiram River in West Garo Hills.
Responding to a question raised by Rajabala MLA Mizanur Kazi during the Assembly Budget Session, Sangma said that work is undertaken by the Brahmaputra Board along with other agencies.
The Public Works Department (Roads) from time to time has taken up repair work to restore eroded portions and damaged embankments along the Rongai and Jinjiram Rivers caused by heavy rains and back flow from the Brahmaputra during the monsoon season.
Flood plain zoning and flood early warning systems are programmes that are in the pipeline. Construction of reservoirs at upper reaches with flood moderation as one important component to tackle flood for basin most vulnerable to flood. A state action plan on climate change is being prepared by the Meghalaya Climate Change Centre.
Adding a supplementary, Kazi stated that this is a recurrent phenomenon in the plain belts of Garo Hills. He enquired about the DPR and when the groundwork will start.
“Multiple agencies are involved in this project, so the process is not easy for us to give a specific timeline. We are trying to push so that the work will start at the earliest,” responded the CM.
Kazi questioned the level of coordination that exists between different government departments like Water Resources, PWD, Disaster Management to ensure comprehensive and effective mitigation of flood control.
Sangma said that it also links to the answer given yesterday concerning the water rejuvenation and spring beds. All the departments are involved there is close coordination.
Joining in, Dadenggre MLA Rupa Marak enquired what is the timeframe for preparation of DPR for this project. “It has been raised many times but the same reply has been given that DPR is under preparation,” he mentioned.
The CM reiterated that the DPR is under preparation and that the need for coordination between the multiple parties involved has consumed a lot of time but is necessary.
