GUWAHATI: In a significant development aimed at resolving the persistent issue of flooding in Silchar, Water Resources Minister, Pijush Hazarika on Monday announced that a new sluice gate with double shutters would be constructed in Bethukandi.
The project, estimated to cost ₹10 crore, is expected to provide a permanent solution to the flooding problems faced by the region.
Hazarika confirmed that the construction work for the proposed sluice gate would commence in October, as per media reports. He expressed his satisfaction during an inspection of the recently built embankment and existing sluice gate in Bethukandi on Monday.
While the present sluice gate is currently functioning effectively, Hazarika acknowledged that a neighbouring area had been affected. However, he reassured the public that there was no cause for concern, reports stated.
This decision comes as the arrival of the monsoon season began to worry the residents of Silchar over a possible incident of flood in the town again after the Silchar floods last year that killed almost 200 people, as per media reports.
Last year’s Silchar flood reportedly affected over 5 million people across 32 districts and caused the deaths of over 200 people across the affected areas.
Silchar town, located just 1 km from the dyke was the worst affected, with 90 per cent of the town submerged underwater. Silchar town remained submerged for 11 days, with water rising to 12 feet (3.7 metres) in some places.
