Silchar faces severe flood risk due to neglected sluice gates, warns 'March for Science'

The Silchar chapter of March for Science has raised urgent concerns regarding the state of the Barak River embankments and sluice gates around Silchar city. After a recent inspection, delegation members Ashu Pal, Krishanu Bhattacharya, Hanif Ahmed Barbhuiya, Yunus Ali Choudhury, and Hillol Bhattacharya expressed their alarm over the persistent negligence of the Water Resources Department and the Assam government, which they believe could lead to another catastrophic flood similar to the one in 2022.

Following the devastating June 2022 flood, March for Science conducted a thorough survey from July 11 to July 14 along a 32 km stretch of the river embankment, spanning from Kashipur Nathpara in the Tarapur Gaon Panchayat to Sonabarighat. Their findings, which were submitted to the concerned authorities, revealed that the flood was not solely caused by the damaged section of the embankment at Kararpar.

In their current inspection, the organization reiterated that placing officials at the Kararpar sluice gate alone would not suffice to prevent severe flooding in Silchar. The team identified two critical points where water from the Barak River is entering the city: the broken sluice gate near Kalibari Char Shutkipatti and the incomplete sluice gate adjacent to Umar Mosque in Berenga Khas. Despite the evident risk, no personnel from the Water Resources Department were present at these sites.

Floodwaters from the Barak River have been infiltrating the city through the sluice gate near Kalibari Char, affecting areas such as Janiganj, Bhuiyargudi, and Old Water Works Road, and gradually spreading to other parts of Silchar. Of particular concern is the earthen embankment above the sluice gate in Berenga Khas. Recently, a contractor used a JCB excavator to narrow this embankment to lay a foundation for a protection wall. With approximately nine meters of water on the river side and eight meters below on the inner side, there is an immediate risk of collapse, potentially leading to a flood similar to the previous disaster. The administration must ensure 24-hour surveillance at this critical location to avert a potential catastrophe.

Additionally, the organization highlighted the hazardous condition of the Barak River bank at Shivbari Road in Tarapur, Silchar. Despite numerous promises and budget allocations, the deteriorating state of the river bank remains unaddressed, endangering property and lives. The group expressed the frustration of residents over the unfulfilled promises to repair the broken section of Shibbari Road.

March for Science also informed the public that water from Mahisha Bil is not currently entering the city via Rangirkhal; rather, water from Berenga is slowly making its way into Mahisha Bil. Thus, there is no immediate threat from the Betukandi sluice gate. However, if the Water Resources Department focuses solely on Kararpar and neglects other vulnerable points, the situation could escalate into a serious flood risk.