GUWAHATI, JULY 8 – Even as the decrease in the rainfall amount has led to the improvement in the overall flood scenario of the State, barring Majuli River Island, there is a possibility of the postponement of the execution of the geo-tube retirement dyke at Matmara to the next dry season. The Brahmaputra was, however, flowing 30 cms above the danger level of 93.02 metres at Matmara this afternoon, even though the water level of the mighty river was reported to be falling at upstream Passighat. Since the day before yesterday, Brahmaputra water level at Matmara receded by 7 cm, said sources in the Water Resources Department (WRD).
Sources in the Regional Meteorology Centre (RMC) here said this afternoon that there was a possibility of moderate rain or thundershower at many places over the NE region during the next 24 hours. Over Guwahati and its neighbourhood, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy and there may be one or two spells of rain or thundershower over these areas during the same period, said the RMC sources.
Central Water Commission (CWC) flood bulletin here this evening said that the Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger level (DL) at Dibrugarh with a steady trend this afernoon. The mighty river was also flowing above the DL at Neamatighat with a similar trend during that time, said the CWC bulletin.
The Desang was also flowing above the DL at Nanglamaraghat in Sivasagar district, but with a rising trend, while the Jia Bharali was flowing above the DL at NT Road Crossing in Sonitpur district with a falling trend during that time, said the flood bulletin.
The Brahmaputra was maintaining a falling trend at Tezour, Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubri during the time, said the CWC bulletin.
According to WRD sources, the consultants appointed by the Department have asked for postponement of the geo-dyke project execution work till this flood season is over. The consultants of the Department for the project visited the geo-dyke project site on July 1.
They, however, asked the Department to slap a condition on the Malaysian company Emaskiara, which is executing the Rs 99.97-crore project, for completion of the entire composite structure of the geo-dyke during the next dry season.
The company should ensure availability of sufficient machinery, materials and men before starting any work related to the project. It should also set up a workshop, besides the camp, for maintenance of the machinery, said the WRD sources.
Meanwhile, the WRD sources said, has expressed gratitude to the Matmara people and the WRD for the cooperation they have extended to it. It has also admitted its failure to start and complete the execution of the project in time.
Local people have caught about 400 empty geo-tubes, which were washed away by the flood water and returned them to the company. Only 30 of such tubes captured by the local people fighting the swirling flood water, remain to be handed over to the company, said the WRD sources.
The developments after the visit of the consultants are being formally conveyed to the higher authorities of the Department soon for follow-up actions, said the WRD sources.
The situation in Majuli continues to be grim with the number of affected people touching 71,000 in 57 villages. Most of the affected people have been sheltered at four relief centres set up by the local administration.
The flood water that entered the island through the breaches in the PGJH road at Borbil and the PWD road at Simaluguri, damaged crop area of 5200 hectares. It is feared that flood water may inundate more areas within the next few days as there is no recession in the water level, said official sources in Majuli. The PWD roads at Samahiaati and Morasuti under Jengrai police station are under threat. Police patrolling is on to maintain a vigil on the situation and the Brahmaputra Board people are also working round the clock to protect the roads.
Meanwhile, one time assistance of Rs 10,000 has been paid to the next of kin of Joyram das, 55, of Dadhara village. He was washed away by flood water on July 4. Formal proposal is also being sent to the higher authorities within a couple of days for a further financial assistance of Rs one lakh to the family, said sources.
Social Plugin