Flood scene grim road links snapped

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Topic: Flood scene grim, road links snapped

Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/11/04 at 16:14:26 »

The overall flood situation in the State remains grim today and inundation of the National Highways and arterial roads snapped road communication in almost all parts of Assam. According to official sources, the death toll in the current wave of floods has increased to ten. The State Government has appealed to the Indian Air Force to make available helicopters for flood relief operations and the Army has already swung into action to rescue marooned people. The Army has also airdropped relief material to the marooned people of three villages of Dhantola, Poila and Sandha in Nalbari district said an Army release.

Reports of breach of a dam in Bhutan is causing serious apprehension in the minds of the people in Bajali, Nalbari and Rangiya areas. Official sources expressed apprehension that the breach of the dam might worsen the situation in the entire Barpeta district including the Manas National Park. Our Correspondents report:

Nalbari: Altogether six lakh people in 360 villages, have been affected by the current wave of floods in Nalbari district. The floods have turned to be devastating in ten out of the eleven Revenue Circles of the district.

Floodwaters of the Pagladiya, Nona and Borolia have touched the roof of the houses in Pub-Barbhag area. One person was reported drowned at Charan village under Tamulpur Revenue Circle yesterday. Additional Deputy Commissioner of the district Mukibur Rahman told this correspondent that the Army personnel from the Tamulpur Brigade Headquarters airlifted yesterday the 20 marooned families of Chapatal village under Tamulpur Revenue Circle.

The entire district is cut off from the rest of the country as all the roads—NH 31, Hajo-Nalbari Road, Nalbari-Dhamdhama Road, Nalbari-Mukalmuwa Road and Nalbari-Sarthebari Road, are still under waist-deep water. Affected people are shifting to safer locations in most of the cases on their own as no camp has so far been set up by the administration to shelter the victims. The affected people are now taking shelter on the roads, schools, embankments and with their relatives in most of the cases.

Duni: About 40 villages with a population of about 50,000 have been affected by the floodwaters of Nonoi river. The river breached its western embankment between Khotra Sattra and Dhuportal village under the Sipajhar and Khoirabari Development Blocks respectively.

Goreswar: The situation remained grim in Greater Goreswar areas as the Puthimari, Baranadi, Borolia and the Sesa rivers have continued to inundate fresh areas under Rangiya sub-division. Road connection has also been snapped at several places along the Baihata Chariali- Goreswar- Sukla PWD Road.

Bijni: Situation is still worse in Bijni sub-division. About 1.50 lakh people of 200 villages are affected by the current wave of flood in the sub-division. Manas is menacingly swelling and is flowing about four feet above the danger level, inundating around ten villages under Manikpur development block. A breach in the Baghmara railway protection embankment between Saprakata and Bijni Railway stations resulted in serious situation in Duturi and Banghmara.

Silchar: The Barak valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi as well as Tripura and Mizoram and parts of Manipur have been cut off from the rest of the country following severe landslide in Sonapur area of Meghalaya last night. A large number of long – distance buses and other vehicles are stranded on both sides and the BRTF authorities have informed that it would take at least three days to clear the road for movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, due to incessant rains, a large number of villages of the Barak valley districts have been inundated today. The rivers Barak, Katakhal, Dhaleshwari and Kushiara are flowing above the danger level and the district administrations are making elaborate arrangements to face the fury of the third wave of floods in the valley districts. Flood waters have submerged the Rongpur area of Silchar town and more than one thousand people of the area have taken shelter in a temporary relief camp. Flood waters also inundated a number of villages in Hailakandi district and as per reports available, more than 50,000 people of the district have been affected so far.

Kampur: Kopili is rising menacingly and inundated a vast area worsening the situation.

Baihata Chariali: The situation is still grim in Kamalpur revenue circle with new areas coming under the havoc of floods in the last 24 hours. Over 40 villages, having a population more than one lakh in the revenue circle have so far been affected by floods. The road communication and power supply in the affected areas remained snapped for the past three days. While, the river Barnadi is posing a serious threat to its western embankment at Simalubari near Dumnichowki, about eight kilometres east of Baihata chariali, the flood waters of Puthimari are still surging turbulently in the affected areas. The administration and local people have set up 16 camps to provide shelter to the affected people.

Morigaon: About 60 villages having a population of 20,000 in Morigaon district have been affected by the current wave of floods. In Bhuragaon revenue circle, as many as 588 families have been rendered homeless in six villages. The situation has compelled the district administration to requisition the service of the Army in rescue operations. The Brahmaputra is also posing a threat with its erosion in several areas under Mayong revenue circle.

Kokrajhar: The flood situation in Kokrajhar district turned critical since last night as over 3150 villagers have been affected by the flood waters of Champa, Gaurang, Longa and Saralbhanga etc rivers. Entire road network of the district has been disrupted.

Majuli: Rising waters of the Brahmaputra inundated 54 villages in the river island of Majuli, affected around 50,000 people. Ferry service from Neamatighat to Kamalabari ghat has been suspended due to the strong current of the river. Road communication in the interior areas of the island has also been disrupted. People living in the vulnerable areas have been instructed by the administration to the shift to safer places.

Bilasipara: About 1.50 lakh people of 180 villages of the sub-division have been forced to shift to safer places by the current wave of floods. Most parts of the Bilasipara town have also been inundated. The National Highway 31 and the Bogribari road are also submerged by flood waters, leaving hundreds of good – laden trucks stranded on the Highway. The embankment near the Gaurang bridge, connecting Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts is also under threat.

Tihu: About 80 per cent of the people under Tihu and Bajali revenue circles have been affected by the current wave of floods caused by the Tihu, Pagladia, Mora-Pagladia, Kaldia, Buhradia etc rivers. People of Tihu town are also not spared. Several PWD roads and NH 31 are submerged by flood waters, severing road links of the affected areas with the rest of the country. Meanwhile, local MLA Pabindra Nath Deka has appealed to the Assembly Speaker to defer the Budget session of the Assembly scheduled to begin from July 12 in view of the flood situation.

Hatsingimari: New areas have come under the grip of flood caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries Jinjiram, Kalo and Broni in South Salmara and Mankachar areas. Almost two third of the land area of the South Salma revenue cirice is under floodwaters, forcing thousands of families to shift to safer areas since last night. Most of these people are living under the open sky. A BSF jawan of Sisumara BOP was drowned in floodwaters early this morning. He is identified as Sher Mahammad of 128 Battalion of BSF.

Tinsukia: 31 villages of Sadiya have been affected by floodwaters of Kundil river, while, the Nadihinh is swelling menacingly threatening the Sumoni bundh. The NH 52 is under flood waters at many places under the Kakopathar police station area. This resulted in disruption of road communication between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Buridihing and Dibru rivers also continue to rise and more places of Guijan area have come under the grip of floodwater. Altogether 40 villages have been affected in Tinsukia sub-division. The Brahmaputra and the Dibru have inundated the Dibru-Saikhowa reserve forest , while, 18 villages under the Margherita sub division have been affected by Buridihing.

Rangiya: The Puthimari, Baralia and Nona have been causing havoc in three revenue circles of the sub-division. The entire Rangiya town is reeling under floodwaters, while, Army had to use helicopters to airlift the maroon students of Jawahar Navodaya vidyalaya at Harandab village. The NH 31 is under floodwaters and road communication in the sub-division remains snapped.

Udalguri: The swelling Dhansiri, Golondi, Bikhiti, Bharla and Nona rivers have forced about 400 families to shift to makeshift camps arranged by the students organisations and NGOs.

guest
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/11/04 at 16:16:32 »

State govt releases Rs 50 cr for relief

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has assured all possible help to the State Government to deal with the flood situation, while, an emergency meeting of the State Council of Ministers this evening decided to release an amount of Rs 50 crore for providing relief to the affected people. Official sources said that the Prime Minister today called up Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to discuss the situation arising out of the devastating floods in Assam and assured that the Centre would provide all possible help to the State.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister convened a meeting of his Council of Ministers this evening to discuss the situation arising out of the devastating floods. In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed all the Ministers to fan out to the affected districts to supervise the relief and rescue operations. The State Government also decided to submit a detailed report to the Prime Minister shortly. All the Ministers decided to donate their one-month’s salary for providing relief to the affected people. The meeting observed that the situation in the State worsened due to heavy rain in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

The meeting observed that the budget Session of the State assembly, scheduled to begin on July 12, should be postponed in view of the flood situation and the Speaker Prithibi Majhi has convened an all-party meeting tomorrow.

william shakespeare
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/12/04 at 16:24:11 »

There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.
— WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Floods again :'(
Following heavy downpour in different parts of Assam and in the entire catchment area, a wave of flood is now tormenting the States. Already the damage and loss suffered by the people have been heavy. Surface communication has been breached at several places including the Jowai-Badarpur highway, the only link of Southern Assam, Mizoram and a part of Manipur with the rest of the country. Breach of a dam in Bhutan and the rapid flow of water from that site threatens to inundate large areas of habitations in densely populated parts of Lower and Western Assam. The State Government has released Rs 50 crore for initial relief while funds will not be a problem with resources available for calamity relief. But the main problem lies elsewhere because of physical difficulties in both rescue and relief. Helicopters of the IAF and units of the Army have been taking part in operations for rescuing marooned people and for rushing relief to them.

The latest wave of floods has again brought to the fore the extent of misery suffered by the people in affected areas. But not to speak of permanent flood control measures, even short-term and ad-hoc flood moderation efforts need much more resources than the miserly allocation in the Budget of the UPA Government for tackling flood problems in the entire country. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Assam is acquainted with the vehemence of flood and erosion problems of the State. The need of more funds for the control of floods and the taking up of phase wise schemes should brook no further delay as the region cannot be considered free from flood menace till October next.

With rainfall continuing in the basins of the Brahmaputra and the Barak, there is little hope for the people to get a respite. Therefore, the problem deserves the highest priority for formulating both short-term and long-term schemes for moderating and controlling the problems of floods and erosion. The ambitious perspective plan for inter-linking the river systems is bound to take time even after full clearance from the environmental angle. Priority should as such be attached to interim measures so that these can be upgraded for permanence. The Government at the Centre owes it to the country to formulate and implement rapid measures for control of flood and erosion. Assam’s agony on this score must be mitigated without any further delay and the State Government must take necessary steps to utilise every rupee sanctioned prudently and satisfactorily.

depan
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/15/04 at 15:05:29 »

The overall flood situation in the State is similar to that of yesterday, even as the situation in Barak Valley is still grim, said a release of the Revenue Department of the State here this evening. During the period between June 24 last and today, the State received a rainfall of 649.72 mm. The death toll in the current wave of floods increased to 25. The current wave of floods that started on June 24 last affected a population of 50 lakh in 6,425 villages under 40 mouzas of 24 districts in the State. Crops on about 4.68 hectares of land and about four lakhs of houses were damaged by this wave of the floods. However the value of the damage in terms of money is yet to be assessed, said the release.

The State Government has sanctioned Rs 50 crore for relief operations and about 2,75,864 people have been sheltered in 1,296 relief camps set up by the local administrations in the affected districts, the release said. Meanwhile the water levels of rivers in the State, including the Brahmaputra, started falling at most of the places today. No doubt, the Brahmaputra was flowing above the Danger Level (DL) at Dibrugarh, Neamatighat, Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubri. Its tributaries Burhidihing, Desang, Jiabharali, Kopilli and Puthimari were also flowing above the DL at places. The Barak, the Katakhal and the Kushiyara were also flowing above the DL today, said the Central Water Commission (CWC) sources here this evening.

Meanwhile, the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today resented the failure of the Central Government to grant an assistance of Rs 1,200 crore to the State as per the request of the State Government in this hour of crisis. Patacharkuchi MLA Pabindra Deka today made an appeal to the State Government to supply adequate quantity of seedlings and medicines to the flood affected people of Patacharkuchi Constituency. The State committee of the CPI (ML) Liberation today demanded, among others, adequate compensation to the affected people by declaring the affected areas as disaster-prone areas speedy medical aid in the affected areas and revival of the Brahmaputra Board.

The overall flood situation in Majuli sub-division has improved a little. However, the misery of the affected people is yet to be over. According to the sub-divisional authorities in Majuli, the Brahmaputra is flowing .35 cm above the Danger Level (DL) at the Kamalabarighat area of the island sub-division. Erosion by the Brahmaputra is still continuing in the riverbank areas. Ferry services between Neamatighat and the island have been resumed today after a break of three days. About 90,000 people of 84 villages of the island have been affected by the current wave of floods and standing crops on an area of 4,100 hectares of land have been damaged. However, no loss of human life and scarcity of the essential items has been reported form any part of the island, said the official sources.

krishanu_bhattjee
krishanu_bhattjee

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/20/04 at 08:42:54 »

Silchar hoi gese ek khan dweep...maney island aar ki.....hokkol dikey jol.....chairo bay di jol, commmunication hokkol dikey cut....be it with the rest of the country or with Hailkandi, Karimganj or Shillong. There is lot of water in the hailakndi-silchar-pachgram traingle, also in the shonapur region there is a huge landslide, road is stuck, the food is on halt, Silchar feels the scarcity of aloo, piyanj, and stuffs. People feel this is the biggest flood after 91.
Al theses information I have heard from diff people. There may be some inaccuracies

Also, water pours down in the khumbirgram road. The condition turned so serious that temporarily flight service disrupted. So, leave rail, road and air, enjoy some cheap travelling experince via water when all roads are under water. Believe me they are dam cheap and the wind is absolutely free.

State Govt has snactioned 1300 crore to fight against flood, Barak valley gets around 375 crores, kintu dada dookho koroin na jey.....that does not mean that there wont be a flood next year and you can not enjoy the nauka trip. Yes, you will enjoy those because we all know the 375 crore ey kita kam hoibo jokhon already implemented hazar hazar crore ey o kunu kam hoise na...

.enjoy nauka ride aar majhir logey panta bhat aar koi mach bhaja..

Rupam
Rupam

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/20/04 at 08:58:27 »

yeah...certain inconsistencies...water has not entered the town much...primarily the outskirts...but is really is not as big as 1991 probably...atleast thats what I have been told...a couple of months ago Silchar was hit by floods...and I happened to be in Silchar then...
the current flood does not seem to have assumed even those proportions...as of now...with the only difference that this time its on a wider scale in terms of geographies...the entire valley seems to have been badly hit...two months back it wass more a local phenomenon with the associated districts largely unaffected.
Is a solution long overdue? or is it that physical and engineering and financial constraints inhibit such a solution...anyone with any knowledge on the same kindly share.
regards.

raghu
raghu

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/20/04 at 15:48:05 »

Only thrice has the Mighty Brahmaputra crossed the 2 meter mark above danger level...
In 1988 it flowed 2.23 meters above danger level...In 1991 it flowed 2.33 meters above danger level...and now it is flowing at 2.08 meters above danger level.

aami_swapnil
aami_swapnil

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/20/04 at 18:59:14 »

baraker kon sob area beshi affected hoiche? aar kono casualty hoiche ni.....baire thakiya to kono bisesh clarity paoa jai na. badir thakiya o bhala communication hoy naa. phone paoa jai naa sob somoy aar tara koin naa karon mono koroin je baire thakiya aamra tension kormu...

Rupam
Rupam

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/21/04 at 11:12:40 »

yeah...I have been proved wrong in a day...the situation in Silchar has become gloomier...water has started to come into the lanes and bylanes of the town...just like it did three months back...gopalganj, janiganj, bilpar are facing the brunt yet again...
the connecting roads are under the water...you have to kind of do a whole marathon of boating if you wanted to get to airport...the flights have been coming in and going out in fits and starts...the schedule has gone haywire...
and the plight of the 'common man' continues...

guest
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/21/04 at 18:46:42 »

Please let me know if the roads from airport to silchar town and silchar to karimganj are open,I am going home and I don't want to cancel my tickets.Please please,I am desperate...........

Another silcharite
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/21/04 at 22:38:40 »

hI dOES ANYONE KNOW WHETHER Trains are still going from Bangalore to Guwahati. Basically I have a ticket on 28th July from Bangalore to Guwahati.

mrinmoyb
mrinb

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/22/04 at 13:08:04 »

Water level is going high despite the rain has stopped....yesterday was a sunny day.....

devdas
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/22/04 at 21:59:16 »

Flood scene in Barak Valley critical :'(

The flood situation in the three Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi has turned critical with many areas including Badarpur town submerged by the floodwaters, owing to a breach in a dam in the area. All government, non-government offices, schools and colleges, banks, business establishments, ASEB and ASTC offices, Railway colonies, etc have been severely affected. Besides, several villages and paddy fields within Badarpur circle have also been hit by the floodwaters. The floods have rendered over fifty thousand people homeless, official sources said. At present, the victims have taken shelter at Badarpur Nabin Chandra College, hotels, offices, etc.

Till date, three persons, including two children have been killed in Badarpur. The Army and the BSF have been put on alert to tackle the situation here and in Karimganj as well. Meanwhile, the entire Silchar town is submerged under the waters following the rising water levels of river Barak and its tributaries. Road and rail communication from the town to Badarpur, Hailakandi, Kumbhirgram and Jowai-Badarpur and Lumding-Badarpur hill sections has been badly disrupted following the devastating floods and landslides.

In Karimganj, the water-levels of the Kushiara, Longai and Singla rivers have crossed the danger levels. Many places of Karimganj town and villages have been affected by the flood waters. The situation in Hailakandi is no different with relief and rescue operations being undertaken by the district administration

devdas
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/22/04 at 22:02:54 »

Plan panel clears Rs 166 cr flood control scheme

The Planning Commission has cleared a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for taking up critical flood control and anti-erosion schemes in Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys. The Scheme estimated to cost Rs 166.68 crore is proposed to be implemented during the 10th Plan period. The cost of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) sponsored scheme is to be shared by the Central and State Governments on a 90:10 pattern of financing. According to estimates the Centre would chip Rs 150 crore while Assam Government has to shell out Rs 16.68 crore, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, S. Reghupathy said in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

Seeking to push the ball to State Government’s court, the Minister said that flood management including river erosion being a State subject, investigation, planning and implementation of flood management schemes are within the purview of the State Government. The Central Government renders assistance, which is technical, catalytical and promotional in nature and only in specified States under CSS. Claiming that Brahmaputra Board has prepared master plans for Brahmaputra and Barak Basins and subsidiaries and these were sent to Assam Government for appropriate action. The Board has also taken up the execution of the Pagladiya Dam Project, estimated to cost Rs 542.90 crore with full Central funding.

The Dam would provide flood control benefit to an area of 40,000 hectors in Assam as a long-term measure. Besides these the Board in Assam has taken up a number of drainage development and anti-erosion schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 62.68 crore through 100 percent Central funding. As a long-term measure to solve the flood problem, Tipaimukh multi-purpose Project on River Barak, which was investigated by Brahmaputra Board and a detailed project report prepared has since been transferred to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). This project, which is located on Barak river, will have flood control benefits in the Barak Valley besides hydroelectric power. The techno economic clearance has been given by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Sri Regupathy added.

Rupam
Rupam

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/23/04 at 11:27:08 »

Called up home...it has not been raining for ther last three days alright, but the water situation has not improved much...though late night yesterday water had started reducing from bilpar...would not know about other areas...but mostly its still status quo as far as the overall situation is concerned.
Water has not increased yesterday...mostly...though most parts of the town are already under water...and that one thing about water starting to come down in bilar is the only bit of positive news I have...others kindkly enlighten.

raghu
raghu

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/23/04 at 11:59:03 »

The National Highway/Link Road junction is under waist deep water...Army is on full alert and they are operating boats to rescue the marooned people...water level is stagnant for the last two days...although days are sunny.
It is assumed that water will not rise any further unless there are heavy rains.
Jototuk jante parlam phone-e,koilam,baki ra update koro.

mrinmoyb
mrinb

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/24/04 at 12:36:33 »

Barak's water level has started going down since yesterday...but, inside the town....no movement in water level......asusual food-grain crisis.....Onion 40/kg, Potato 25/kg, vegetables-not available.....

Majhi
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/24/04 at 20:27:22 »

I think news section should deleted from silchar.com.I understand this is not updated but its looks odd when enter barak velley suffering from Flood .the news Section(KHAS KHABOR ) flashing unimportent news like RISHATA CUP ETC .I am shocked there are no news related to current Flood situation in barak vellley!
Dear Premashis : I know withen few hrs you will delete my message (coz i am saying agianst of you) ..well no problem but i must say if you failed to post updated news in your news section then you can close your KHAS KHABOR ..this is nothing but a useless vanity !
yes men you must close Khas Khabor! MahaAdda hai na ! we are getting latest News from Mahadda!

nitin chakrabarty
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/24/04 at 21:01:33 »

Living with floods
Sir, – The Union Minister of State for Home, S P Jaiswal’s written statement in Parliament about the presence of 50 lakh Bangladeshis in Assam alone has stirred a hornet’s nest once again. For Sri Tarun Gogoi it is a golden opportunity to show his unstinting love for the minorities and thereby bring them closer to his party and keep the vote bank intact. Samajwadi Party in Assam at present is the only competitor in this wooing-game and it has already attempted to make some noise on the issue.

While this wooing-game continues, thousands of indigenous people are struggling for life in the devastating flood that has affected almost all the districts of the State. Last month when people were being killed in ethnic violence in Karbi Anglong and elsewhere, almost all the ministers and Congress MLAs were camping in Delhi for about a fortnight for reasons known to all. These people’s representatives shamelessly threw all the principles of their primary duties to the wind and were busy either to retain or to gain a berth in the ministry. Reports that appeared in some local vernacular newspapers that there was transaction of crores of rupees, with the role of ‘go-between’ being played chiefly by two businessmen of Guwahati were never refuted by any of these ‘representatives’. Now who were the beneficiaries of this transaction of huge amount of corrupt money is not clearly known but is anybody’s guess.

So the indigenous people of Assam must ‘learn to live with flood’ while the powers that-be would continue with their game of retaining power and wooing-game. And the AGP will continue to make vigorous noises of different kinds till they come to power and then forget all their promises. And in the meantime, some organisations will call ‘Assam bandh’ because that comes very handy to make their presence felt and they remain content with issuing a statement describing the bandh a complete success. – Yours etc., NITIN CHAKRAVARTY, RGB Road, Guwahati.

devdas
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/25/04 at 21:12:36 »

********Railway services badly hampered********
– The suspension of rail services due to floods has seriously affected a large number of people on their way to various places in upper Assam. Along with passenger traffic, the transportation of goods – bulk and perishable cargo in particular – has also been badly hampered.

The Guwahati rail station wore a very different look today with stranded passengers occupying the platforms and the main hall. Although the official announcement of rail services being suspended was issued on Friday, there has been no rail service to Upper Assam since July 20, said a railway source. Among the cancelled trains are the Rajdhani Express, the Brahmaputra Express, the Kamrup Express, and the Inter City Express, which together carry a substantial number of passengers in this route.

Some of the passengers at the Guwahati Railway Station voiced their grievances against the NF railway authorities. “They know how vital the rail link is, why could not they protect it in the first place?” enquired Namdeo Sharda Prasad of Tinsukia. Mantu Gohain of Dibrugarh, however, said that the railway authorities have provided free food to the stranded passengers, a gesture that he appreciated.

A serious problem has also emerged over the transportation of goods to areas such as Dimapur, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. According to a railway official speaking on condition of anonymity, about ten goods trains ply between these places and Guwahati

everyday. “Suddenly all the commodities have to be transported by road, and this is a time consuming process,” he said. The fact that road connection is also unreliable in the present situation has further complicated matters.

He further revealed that the running of trains has been halted due to major breaches between Jamunamukh, and Jogijan about 136 km from Guwahati, and between Ajjary and Dharamtul about 83 km from Guwahati. A senior railway official describing the breach between Jamunamukh and Jogijan said that about half-a-kilometre of the rail track has been damaged, and some essential construction materials are being brought from Malda. About three hundred railway personnel are presently engaged in the repair work, which is likely to be completed around August 1.

Meanwhile, reports of the Saraighat bridge being damaged by flood has caused widespread apprehension among people. The PTI in a news item filed from the city at 16.06 hours reported, “according to official sources, heavy erosion by the mighty river Brahmaputra has led to loose soil resulting in cracks in the eleventh pillar of the bridge, connecting Guwahati with the rest of the North East, forcing the Kamrup district administration to stop plying of heavy vehicles.”

When asked about the report, NF railway officials denied that the bridge, which is considered a vital link to the North East, has been damaged. “There has been a small cavity beside the approach road, and railway personnel have carried out repairs,” said a railway official engaged at the spot. The DC Kamrup (Metro) has also confirmed that repair works were duly performed, and there exists no risk to the bridge.

He further added that road communication to some parts of the State has been re-established via Mangaldoi from today morning, even as a stretch of the NH 37 continues to remain under water near Dharamtul. Among the vehicles that have left Guwahati are some carrying foodstuff and relief aid to areas, which were previously cut off from the city.

Meanwhile, train service in the Lumding-Badarpur Hill section continues to be affected by landslides. At present, landslides at six places have brought train traffic to a standstill. It may be mentioned here that landslides have impeded train service in this section for the past three months.

Badarpur: The overall flood situation of the Railway town of Badarpur remains unchanged even as the floodwaters are receding at a slow pace. Road and Railway communication between Badarpur and Silchar, Badarpur and Karimganj are still disrupted. NH 44 is yet to become suitable for plying of vehicles as a major portion of the road is still under water. The entire Badarpur town has been affected this year by flood in a severe manner after a gap of 19 years. This year’s flood crossed the previous high flood level records of 1956, 1966, 1976,1985, 1986, 1991 and 1994. Seven persons including two children have died so far due to drowning in floodwaters.

kigube
kigube

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/25/04 at 23:53:51 »

silchar-o joto din aaslam, borshaa aarambho oileu alu kinore piaij kinore aar lobon phaurio na . kacharhi okhle rajniti koria shylet algaichoin, gopinathre dush dio na . naoile ee meghalya-r majedi aon jaon laglonaone . ar ashami-khashiar bimatrishulabh achorone silchari-tripuri-karimganji okhlor bhugte laglo naone . amar moto hokkol-u silchar takia bhager chestai asoin . ek bachha shyleti-okhle dira aar eendu shyleti khomairaa . huroin maro nijerare . kongress aar komunisti koria sharaa eendu bangali jat-u self destrutive mode-o aase . bhogobane dekhba monokori boi thako, fludo shait tekha-di piaij khao .

mrinmoyb
mrinb

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/26/04 at 13:11:15 »

International development agency of united states has released a fairly big amount for disaster management in Assam, Orissa, West Bengal, Zharkhand and Gujrat.....but, what percentage of this will reach the natural disaster prone zones is again a ??????

road links
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/26/04 at 21:09:26 »

Road links
Road network in Assam has been totally smashed in the devastating floods, which has affected all the 27 districts, virtually turning the State into a cluster of islands. The exact assessment of the damages caused to the road network by the current wave of floods can be ascertained only after the floodwaters recede, but the preliminary assessment presents a gloomy picture and it will take quite some time before the road communication all over the State is fully restored. According to a preliminary survey done by the State Public Works Department (PWD), more than 3600 kilometers of roads, including 614 kilometers of National Highways, 132 kilometers of State Highways, 450 kilometers of major district roads and 2423 kilometers of the rural roads of the State, have been damaged in the current wave of floods and the devastation caused is considered to be the worst ever. The total damage is likely to go up further as most parts of the State are still under floodwaters and no one really knows the condition of the roads in those areas. The floods created more than 190 breaches on the road network, of which, two major breaches were on the National Highways, 23 on major district roads and 163 were on the rural roads. Two RCC bridges, more than 430 wooden bridges and 230 culverts have been damaged in the floods, which has seriously affected road communication. According to an estimate, more than Rs 500 crore will be required to repair the damages and under the present financial position of the State Government, it would be a herculean task for the State without liberal financial assistance or grant from the Centre. At this critical juncture, Assam can only hope that the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Assam, will adopt a liberal approach towards the State to enable the State Government to tide over the immediate crisis.

Theeffect of floods on the road communication network has seriously hit relief and rescue operations and fortunately, the role played by the Army and Indian Air Force saved the lives of a large number of marooned people. The Army has also played a major role in restoration of the road communication network and taken up construction of eight Bailey bridges. The road communication on the National Highway-31 was restored after the completion of the construction of the Bailey bridge by the Army over the breached part of the Highway at Banekuchi in Nalbari district. The snapping of the road communication left numerous people stranded all over the State with communication between Guwahati and Upper Assam and Lower Assam remaining cut off for days, while, the entire Barak Valley also remained cut off from the rest of the State for a long time. The problem compounded with the floodwaters also affecting rail communication. The relief operations were also affected because of the snapping of the road links and there were widespread complaints from the people of the affected areas about shortage of relief materials. Though the State Government has been claiming that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the State, the snapping of the road communication made it impossible to move foodstuff not only to the interior places, but also to the sub-divisional headquarters in some parts of the State.

Of course, a permanent solution to the problem of floods will definitely take some time, but the State and Central Governments should immediately take some effective steps to ensure that the major roads in the State are not affected by floods. It is for the technical experts to devise mechanism for preventing disruption of the road communication and one can only hope that the task force, promised to be formed by the Prime Minister to tackle the problem of flood will deal with this issue immediately after its formation. Floods always take a heavy toll of the wooden bridges and it is time, these were replaced. According to an estimate by the PWD, an amount of Rs 5000 crore will be required to replace the timber bridges on the State roads with concrete ones, which is beyond the reach of the State Government without any financial assistance from outside agencies. The State Government is trying to dotain a financial assistance from the World Bank for the purpose and the Central Government must play its part to ensure that the State gets the funds from the World Bank to complete the task by next year.

open_latter
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/26/04 at 22:04:40 »

:'(National problem :'(
Sir,– We are being told that the people of Assam will have to live with floods and there is no permanent solution to this problem. Yes, the people of Assam lived with annual floods in absolute harmony since time immemorial when our valleys were green, the catchment areas of our rivers were well-clad with forests, our underground aquifers were fully charged, which gave us water during the lean period, our rivers were carrying minimum amount of silt, and the beds of our rivers were never bulged.

In fact, the people of Assam welcomed annual floods for bumper harvest of paddy and fish. That was then. Now the situation is different. There is large-scale plundering of our forest cover, the catchments areas of our rivers have become bald, which is encouraging heavy run-off of rainwater with serious soil erosion and flash flood problems. Our valleys have become bare, therefore, our underground aquifers are not getting any chance to recharge as because on bare slopes there is hardly any scope of rain water percolating to deeper water bearing layers causing serious shortage of water during the lean months.

Our rivers are now carrying huge amount of silt that is forcing the riverbeds to rise alarmingly. The water carrying capacity of our rivers is greatly reduced which not only causes flood-like situations even after slight rain but also influences serious riverbank erosion. This is nature’s own way of mending things. In the coming years more and more human habitats are bound to disappear in the riverbeds. Under the present scenario, I am afraid, the people of Assam will not be able to live with the floods any longer without serious loss of lives, agriculture and properties.

There is a clamour from all quarters to declare flood a National problem. May I ask the protagonists why wanton plundering of our natural resources should not be declared as the most serious crime and also a national problem? – Yours etc.,

Sandipan Suklabaidya
Sandipan,

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/26/04 at 22:43:16 »

I got to know that a crack was seen in the Soraighat Bridge over Brahmaputra..... is it true? can anybody plz let us know what the fact actually is?
is it the impact of the recent flood?

ashim
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/27/04 at 17:33:11 »

Lumding-Guwahati railway tracks
*************************
– Incessant and torrential rains have severely damaged railway tracks on different stretches between Lumding and Guwahati from July 19. As a result of this all mail and express trains have been cancelled between Guwahati and Dibrugarh. The affected sections are Panikhaiti – Thakurkuchi, Aujuri – Dharamtul, Laopani – Chaparmukh, Jamunamukh – Jogijan and Chaparmukh – Haibargaon, NR Railway officials said.

According to the officials of the affected line, the 1.5 kilometer stretch between Jamunamukh and Jogijan is the worst affected in which roughly 525 metres of track with depth ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 mts is hanging. The embankment has been fully washed out. Certain stations like Dharamtul, Chaparmukh, Laopani, Kampur, Jamunamukh on the section have been totally isolated. Besides road communication has also been snapped. Other than railway staff, even villagers have taken shelter in railway premises including track, station area and in the rolling stock. Devastating floods and severe damage to track have caused havoc to the rail transportation as a result of which thousands of passengers have been stranded at Guwahati Railway station.

The officials said that restoration work has been taken in hand on a war footing. Railway engineers and staff are working at various locations in a programmed manner to restore train communication. The only means of communication between the isolated stretches is plying of boats as a result of which the transportation of material required for restoration has become extremely difficult. It is expected that full train communication will be restored by July 31 Railway administration including women welfare organisations of NF Railway have taken initiative to provide relief to the affected families in the crisis situation.

Dr DN Borthakur
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/27/04 at 17:36:49 »

Flood in Assam – causes and cure
— Dr DN Borthakur :-

Flood is the most devastating natural calamity that affects Assam every year. There are two major rivers in Assam, namely the mighty Brahmaputra that flows through the Brahmaputra Valley along a length of 720 km receiving on it way over 35 tributaries from the surrouding hills on both the north and south banks, and the Barak river, flowing through the other valley of Cachar with over seven tributaries. The width of the Brahmaputra valley between the foot-hills is about 80 to 90 km, out of which the river covers a width of 6 to 10 km in most places. The riverine area of the Brahmaputra and the Barak Valley measures about 27 per cent of the total area of the State. The Brahmaputra, which originates in the Himalayas covers nearly 1600 km in China and enters Assam via Arunachal Pradesh. The tributaries of the Brahmaputra have their catchment areas on the north bank in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan, while the catchment areas of the tributaries in the south bank lie in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam.

Causes of flood : The physiography, the location of the State surrounded by hills on almost all sides, is the primary reason behind the regular floods in the State. However, there are a number of other factors responsible for the floods in Assam. Rainfall in the entire north-eastern region is rather heavy and the same is concentrated in a few months from May to September. The precipitation in general, and in catchment areas in particular, are mainly responsible for the floods. The catchment areas are much higher and due to the sudden drop of height near the foothills, the concentration is very rapid. The impact of rainfall in the catchment areas within the territorial boundary of India is also so great that the discharge of the Brahmaputra at Dhubri is more than three times that at Dibrugarh seperated by a distance of 600 km.

Experts have identified various factors that create conditions conducive to floods. The important factors among these are mentioned below: (i) Brahmaputra and its tributaries emanante from the hills that are highly erodible and seismic. The Brahmaputra is stated to be one of the leading sediment transporting rivers of the world. The river behaviour, to a great extent, is governed by the geology of the basin and seismic stability. All the valleys in Assam consist of friable rock and silty earth. Thus the geological processes, which cannot be stopped, constitute an important factor for floods. Meandering of rivers, creating drainage bottlenecks also contribute to flood problems; (ii) The Brahmaputra Valley and the adjoining hills are extremely seismic; earthquakes have often led to enormous quantities of silt and debris being washed down to the plains, thus raising the riverbeds. For example, the earthquakes of 1950 resulted in raising the riverbed of the Brahmaputra by three metres and that of Dibang river by about six metres near Sadiya. Staggering estimates have been made by experts on the deposition of silt in the Brahmaputra; (iii) Destruction of wetlands and filling up of the natural catchment have also added to the fury of the floods; (iv) Construction of embankments has also created several problems such as deposition of all silts in the riverbed, creation of drainage congestion and floods due to washing away of bunds; (v) Large-scale deforestation in the region combined with heavy rainfall, have led to several adverse effects. In the first place, the water retention capacity in the catchment and other areas of the hills have declined due to deforestation, as a result of which the water, instead of being retained runs off the hills thus increasing the volume of water flowing down. Deforestation has also caused large-scale erosion of soil. Research has shown that in shifting cultivation, soil loss of 40 to 50 tonnes per hectare may occur during the first two years. It is now a common scene that the water in the rivers or the tributaries are muddy, particularly during the monsoon season, The water retention capacity of the soils has been reduced, while the volume of the water that runs off to the tributaries has increased.

There used to be a number of natural catchment areas in the plains, which were also connected with natural drainage (also streams) systems so that the water could ultimately drain out to the Brahmaputra and the Barak, After Independence, most of these natural catchment areas have been filled up due to development and simultaneously, most of the drainage systems have been closed down due to unplanned development. The sub-soil strata in Assam is probably fully saturated with water and the soil cannot absorb any further. This also results in the water being retained above ground. Thus, while the frequency of floods and the volume of water have increased, the natural catchments, the drainage system and the water receiving capacity of the soil have declined, increasing the ravages of the flood. The unscientific land treatment in the hillocks around the towns, more particularly in Guwahati, have also led to large-scale erosion and closing up of the drainage system.

Although the factors noted above are the primary causes of flood, there may be other factors that might contribute towards the causes or increase of floods, such as human occupation of the flood plains.

Effects of floods : The adverse effects of flood are diverse and manifold. It affects land, roads and other means of communication, water, forests trees, wildlife, beels and witlands, agriculture, livestock, etc thus leading to diverse effects on biodiversity, ecology and environment, production base, soil erosion, water balance as well as displacement stravation and many other adverse effects on people. The floods during 1998, had, for example, caused havoc in Majuli, Dhemaji and Kaziranga game sanctuary. Floods have thus been aptly described as the greatest single ecological hazard on Earth.

Ecology and environment : Soil erosion and degradation of land and water lead to damage of the production base, thus adversely affecting sustainable agriculture as well as development. Sedimentation and deposition of silt and sand affects beels, wetland, natural drainage, fish migratory birds and crop occupying over 75 per cent of the total area of the State. The sali paddy is planted inJuly/August although in the low lying areas it may be continued till the first week or middle of September as well. If the flood does not last for a longer period, there may be some hope of replanting in the damaged areas where the rice crop has been damaged at the seedling stage, although availability of seeds and seedlings also pose a great problem. Floods, during the later part of August and early September, not only cause extnsive damage but also lead to total loss of the crop as there is practically no time left for the farmers for replanting the rice seedings. Semetimes, the farmers transplant again only to find that ultimately there is neither any time left or any seedlings available for cultivation.

Besides jute and rice, floods also damage the grazing lands, fodder and the kitchen gardens. Prolonged floods also damage the permanent or perennial plants in the households and garden. The marshy and water-logged conditions of such areas lead to permanent damage of many plants. The high floods also damage the granaries, thus damaging the rice and other crops stored therein.

Damage to soil : Flood affects the soil adversely in three ways. When the flooding rivers carry sand and silt, the fields are covered with large deposits of sand, thus impairing the fields. The sudden flow of water with current may also wash off surface soil along with nutrients from the field. Similarly, soil erosion also occurs due to cutting of river banks and removed of soil from the field. The intensity of siltation and sand cover is such that the rice fields may be rendered unfit for cultivation. However, deposition of silt alone, enhances the fertility of the area.

Damage to irrigation channels : It is difficult to maintain irrigation channels in the fields in the flood prone areas as these are either damaged or covered with soil.

Damage to live-stock : Heavy floods wash away and kill the livestock. Livestock also die due to starvation during floods. The health of those surviving is also affected very adversely. The livestock also suffer from various diseases after the flood. The indirect loss to livestock comes from the damage of grazing land and fodder crops by floods.

Problems of cropping : The period from April/May to November/December is the most important one for raising crops in Assam. There are a number of reasons for this period being the major cropping season. First, our agriculture is mostly dependent on the rainfall and the source of irrigation is not yet adequately developed. As such, the crops have to be grown during this period when there is assured rainfall as well as moisture in the field. Secondly, rice, the major crop of the State, not only requires adequate moisture or even standing water, but cannot also be grown during winter because of low temperature during the period from November to February.

Strategy for reducing flood damage : The primary causes of occurrence of floods and their adverse effects have already been mentioned. It can be stated from the same that a complete control of floods will not be possible. However, with a scientific approach, the adverse effects could be greatly minimised. It would also be evident that the problem of flood is not wholly a problem related to the field of engineering alone, although engineering approaches may constitute a substantial area. However, the engineering aspects only have been stressed so far at the State or even at the Central level.

The first and foremost strategy is to develop a strong awareness programme about importance of trees and afforestation, role of ecology and environment and steps to preserve the same, conservation of soil, etc. Such programmes involving government agencies and NGOs will help bring about community empowerment, which is very essential for successful implementation of the programmes.

The large-scale deforestation in the entire NE region has to be halted and a massive afforestation programme has to be taken up for checking soil erosion and floods, preservation of biodiversity and ecology and assuring a proper water balance and climate. Protection of existing forests, community forest management, alternative farming systems based on watershed management to replace shifting cultivation, are some of the approaches to preserve forestry and ecology. Fixation of accountability, so that users of forests, such as plywood and paper industries, are also responsible for protection of forests and afforestation, scientific approach to quicker regeneration, rotational planting and felling, etc are other areas that need attention. Afforestation will have to be taken up not only in the plains and hill districts of Assam but also in the neighbouring hill States of the region.

Adequate attention must be paid while taking up developmental activities so that natural catchments and drainage systems, including wetlands, are not disturbed. Haphazard development must be replaced by power planning.

For the purpose, a planned development strategy for the towns and cities is also very essential. For example, a strategy for stopping large-scale erosion of soils, and not simply dredging out soil from the drains, should be the approach in Guwahati and such erosion can be stopped with proper land treatment in these hills. Appropriate soil conservation measures to check various forms of erosion such as river-bank cutting need to be intensified. Involvement of the community will help in achieving success in such measures.

Although embankments/bunds have led to more problems than solutions, yet it would be helpful if embankments are made stronger.

The most plausible measure for control of floods is stated to be the construction of dams and taming of rivers. Studies are needed on the rivers and the tributary systems in the State for taking up such projects. The Brahmaputra Flood Control Board has prepared two major projects, namely Subansiri and Dihang, for flood control, based on the fact that over 60 per cent of the water in the Brahmaputra flows from these rivers in Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, the Board initiated studies on the river system within the State of Assam.

Out of the measures discussed above afforestation, soil conservation and training of rivers will have to involve all other States of the region. Such measures in Assam alone will not solve the problem. Further, the cost involved will also be enormous and beyond capability of the State. It is, therefore, absolutely essential that the problem of flood be declared a national problem. The Central Government will have to take the major initiative and tackle these issues involving the concerned States through the North Eastern Council (NEC).

Sandipan Suklabaidya
Sandipan,

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/28/04 at 23:23:31 »

some breaking news form silchar :

"Two died at Chirukandi-Ramnagar area of Silchar town when the Maruti van in which they were travelling fell into flood water near National Highway 53. The police recovered the vehicle and found the duo dead."

source:http://www.centralchronicle.com/20040715/1507002.htm

"The Barak Valley was flowing 2 m above the danger level in Silchar town and two dykes at Topkhana and Sonabarighat area near Silchar have been breached and water was moving with great speed towards the town.

The landslide affected area of Sonapur in Meghalaya has been cleared but no vehicles reached Silchar due to heavy flooding in NH-53 and NH-54.

The road link between Silchar-Imphal and Silchar-Aizawl has been totally disrupted and this has resulted in serious crisis of essentials in Mizoram, Manipur and the three districts of Barak Valley"

Source:http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=237087

" The situation in the district continued to remain grave as fresh areas in Silchar town, the district headquarters, came under water and thousands remaining marooned.

A Central team is scheduled to arrive in Silchar tomorrow to estimate the damage caused by the flood and report to the government"

source:http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200407250305.htm

aami_swapnil
aami_swapnil

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 04:36:19 »

Good job done Sandipan. It seems you are keeping a close watch on the whole scenario. Thats really amazing!

raghu
raghu

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 14:59:45 »

[quote author=Sandipan Suklabaidya link=board=0011&num=1089553466&start=15#24 date=07/26/04 at 22:43:16]
I got to know that a crack was seen in the Soraighat Bridge over Brahmaputra..... is it true? can anybody plz let us know what the fact actually is?
is it the impact of the recent flood?
[/quote]

Ya,a crack was discovered in the 11th pillar of the Saraighat Bridge over the Mighty Brahmaptura.It is assumed that the crack developed firstly due to soil erosion underneath the pillar and secondly as the amount of silt carried by this mighty river is enormous,the pillars could have problems in withstanding that.
The bridge which can be regarded as the life line of North-East didn't had any major repair since it was dedicated to the nation in 1964.

Shankar_Chakravarti
Shankar_Chakravart

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 17:55:06 »

Dear Sandipan,
Apart from the crack in the 11 th pillar of the Bridge itself, a crack developed on the approach road to the Saraighat Bridge as seen in the picture below.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040725/asp/northeast/index.asp

ashisdas
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 18:01:04 »

http://www.anandabazar.com/29desh5.htm

raghu
raghu

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 21:15:15 »

The Kushiara and the Longai rivers are still above the Danger markl in Karimganj district even as the overall flood situation in the district is improving.Today,a two member central team visited Karimganj District and inspected the flood situation.

The Barak is also flowing above the Danger mark though with a receding trend.Katigorah is still cut off form the rest of the district and many areas of Silchar town are also still under floodwaters.

At present, the over all flood situation of Karimganj and Badarpur have improved. But due to stagnation of water in NH 44 of Badarpur, road communication is still now cut off between Silchar and Badarpur.

(Published in today's edition of the Assam Tribune)

Sandipan Suklabaidya
Sandipan,

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 07/29/04 at 22:32:47 »

Thanks all of u for getting me informed about the current scenario.

abcd
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 08/01/04 at 18:30:32 »

Oh, calamity!
— ROBERTSON HARE

Drought and flood
____________________________________________________
India is very much a land of contrasts – when some parts of the country are deluged by unprecedented floods, some other parts are experiencing severe drought. Heavy rainfall has caused high floods upsetting the normal life of the people and their livestock and poultry in large areas of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar and a portion of Uttar Pradesh. Parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat are passing through severe drought. The desert state of Rajasthan, which is reeling under severe drought conditions due to delayed rains, has sought two lakh tonnes of foodgrains and water trains as immediate relief to start assistance programme in worst affected pockets. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has said that although complete assessment is awaited, they have asked for 2 lakh tonnes of foodgrains and water trains for early release to the people. There may be differences of opinion about the actual impact of flood or drought. While flood may be of high intensity for a limited number of days and the devastation caused remains for that period with pre-flood situation returning after that period, the impact of drought is much more severe and covers much longer period. Taking a long term view, it can be safety stated that drought affects life of people and the entire bio-system much more seriously. Waves of floods no doubt destroy property, belongings and livestock only for a limited period, drought causes much more serious and deeper devastations for a long drawn period of time. Rescue and relief of flood victims is as such for a particular period of time. Rescue and relief operations for the victims of floods take shorter time even if the floods are of unprecedented nature. No doubt the misery caused by floods to human and animal populations may sometimes by very heavy. But even then it is possible to restore the pre-flood scenario without loss of much time. In case of drought it is very difficult and time consuming to restore the pre-drought situation. With water sources drying up and with humidity of the soil fast disappearing, the dry earth in the area develops cracks and becomes inhospitable. Along with human beings, domestic animals, poultry and livestock become emaciated with water sources and fodder becoming elusive.

Latest reports available from drought affected areas of our country reveal that groups of human beings with their cattle and livestock are migrating from drought-stricken areas to escape the severe impact of drought. It is a cruel irony of fate that large areas of our country are now in the grip of an unprecedented drought while several other areas are passing through high floods and consequent dislocation of life. With large areas of the country in the grip of high floods, and the menace of the spectre of drought in some other areas, the challenge appears to the very grave. While the primary responsibility is of the government to tackle natural calamities like flood and drought, the people must also extend co-operation for early and proper execution of measures urgently needed. Woes of our country and the people due to natural calamities like flood and drought must be ended promptly on a priority basis. While funds for the purpose may be available without much difficulty, due care must be taken to ensure that every rupee spent is properly accounted for and the cumulative impact of burgeoning corruption is negated with strict determination. Regular interaction between the government and the people and introduction of norms of public spending in an atmosphere of transparency may become necessary in this respect in view of the fact that out of every rupee spent on development, more than eighty per cent is cornered by the corrupt nexus between the politician and the bureaucracy.

GOC
Guest

Re: Flood scene grim, road links snapped
«on: 08/01/04 at 18:32:03 »

Assam floods must be a national problem: GOC
River linking projects can solve the flood menace of Assam to a great extent and the perennial problem of Assam must be considered as a national problem by the Centre, feels Lt General Anup Singh Jamwal, General Officer Commanding 4 Corps and the Operational head of the Unified Command Structure. Talking to media persons at Kawaimari, a small village in Sonirtpur district on Thursday after inaugurating a medical camp, the General said aerial survey report stated that 80-per cent of Assam land have been