Flooding and Erosion in Lower Mebo: A Persistent Challenge
The Siang River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, has been causing massive flooding and erosion in Lower Mebo, a sub-division in East Siang district, North East India. The river has shifted from its original course, leading to devastating impacts on the local communities and infrastructure.
Assessing the Damage: Ground Survey and Identification of Vulnerable Points
A team of officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), led by Superintendent Engineer Er. Tanu Tasing, conducted a ground survey in Namsing and Jopong villages. The public delegation from Namsing, led by former ZPM Gumin Tayeng, guided the team to the most vulnerable points where the river current diverts towards the left bank.
Community-Led Flood Control Measures
Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng has initiated a community-led flood control program to reduce the impact of monsoon floods along the left bank of the Siang River. The program includes constructing boulder bunds, digging and clearing river channels, and procuring materials and machinery. The initiative aims to save public property from further erosion and protect thousands of acres of agricultural land.
Crowd Funding and Voluntary Donations
Due to insufficient government funding, MLA Oken Tayeng has appealed for support through crowd funding and voluntary donations to carry out the flood control program. He expressed hope that like-minded people across the state would come forward to support the initiative for the flood-affected areas of the 39th Mebo Assembly constituency.
Historical Context and Criticisms
The original course of the Siang River shifted towards the left bank after the Chinese flood of 2000. Critics argue that the then leadership should have utilized the Rs 35 crore flood control project funds solely for flood protection through construction of boulder bunds in erosion-prone areas, instead of allocating part of the funds towards rebuilding school infrastructure.
Future Prospects: A Major Flood Control Project
If the community-funded initiative to divert river currents at multiple locations succeeds, people of Lower Mebo could experience temporary relief from annual flood erosion until a major flood control project worth approximately Rs 250 crore is sanctioned by the Government of India. The proposed project falls under the consolidated Brahmaputra basin flood control program and is expected to significantly mitigate the recurring flood woes of the people of Lower Mebo.
The ongoing community-led flood control efforts in Lower Mebo highlight the resilience and determination of the local communities to protect their homes and livelihoods. As the region continues to grapple with the impacts of river erosion and flooding, the initiatives undertaken by MLA Oken Tayeng and the support of the community serve as a testament to the collective spirit of North East India in addressing its unique challenges.