Assam water resources minister reviews flood preparedness in Dibrugarh

DIBRUGARH: As Assam braces for the first wave of flood this year, water resources minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday visited the flood prone areas of Dibrugarh district and inspected the ongoing repair works.
Hazarika, who was accompanied by local MLAs and officials of the state water resources department, visited Burijan (Chabua), Rohmoria (Lahowal), Bogibeel (Dibrugarh) and Dehing Jerai (Moran).
The minister also inspected the ongoing land erosion in the riparian areas and directed water resources department officials to expedite the erosion control measures.
Stating that the priority of the new BJP-led government is to find a permanent solution to the flood and erosion problems in the state, Hazarika said embankment construction and repair works have been accelerated across the state to ensure that the affects of flood and erosion is kept to a minimal level this year. He also directed officials to complete all embankment repair work by May every year. He said only temporary and emergency works should be carried out during the rainy season.
"I have directed officials to conceptualise and build embankments in a scientific manner in order to solve the problem of floods in the region. They have been asked to use concrete porcupine structures and geo-bags along the embankments to check river erosion. I have often noticed that contractors fails to complete embankment repairs before the rainy season due to delay in commencement of work. I have also issued strict instructions to the officers to complete all official procedures and formalities on time so that repairs can be started without delay," the minister said.