‘Vulnerable’ dykes pose flood threat across Barak Valley

Silchar: The fragile condition of flood-control embankments across the Barak Valley has triggered alarm, with former Silchar MLA and BJP leader Dilip Kumar Paul warning that portions of the Bherenga Nathpara dyke in Silchar remain “highly vulnerable” amid rising waters.Heavy rainfall over the past several days has worsened flooding in parts of Cachar district, with the Barak river flowing above danger level on Monday. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued a public advisory, urging residents in low-lying areas to stay alert for evacuation orders and prepare emergency kits with food, water and medicines.Paul, who inspected the embankment, said while two-thirds of the dyke had been reinforced with bamboo piling earlier this year, the remaining stretch — particularly in front of one resident Anil Nath’s house —was in a “very dangerous condition.” “At that point, the dyke’s width is barely five to six feet. Without urgent repair before the next monsoon, it will be very difficult to save the structure. Work must begin right after the Puja season,” he added.Locals alleged that earlier repair work had further destabilised the embankment after several trees on the riverbank were cut down, weakening the soil. Despite objections, the contractor allegedly went ahead with the removal. Paul slammed the department concerned, saying it had been “asleep” when the mistake was made.The threat is not confined to Nathpara. Embankments in Katigorah, Sonai, Fulertal and Borkhola are also in poor condition. Every monsoon, breaches and seepage force thousands of residents to flee their homes. Experts point out that most dykes were built decades ago and often receive only temporary fixes such as sandbags or bamboo piling, which cannot withstand the river’s pressure for long.“Every year we are promised permanent solutions, but when the rains come, the same crisis repeats,” said a villager from Sonai.Paul urged the water resources department to act before disaster strikes. “Neglecting these dykes means putting thousands of lives in danger,” he said.