[ Bengia Ajum ]
MIAO, 12 Feb: Six villages – Pisi, Khamuk, Lewang, Phup, Khagam Singpho and Khagam Mossang – located just across the Nao Dihing river here in Changlang district continue to be cut off from the rest of the world when the summer season arrives.
Even though these villages are located just 2 kms away from Miao town, during the summer season, due to the lack of a bridge, they cannot go to Miao when the water volume of the Nao Dihing increases. They have to often take the Diyun-Namsai-Kharsang route to reach Miao.
“We can see Miao town with our naked eyes but cannot reach there. It would be hardly 15 minutes’ drive if there was a proper road and bridge connection. But during summer, even for small work, we have to first go to Diyun and then come back to Miao,” said a resident of Phup village.
The villagers face a lot of trouble particularly in cases of medical emergency. “Due to lack of a bridge over the Nao Dihing river, doctors do not stay at the health centre. If there is an emergency medical case, it becomes very difficult for us. Similarly, teachers are also reluctant to stay here due to some reason,” the villager added.
During winter, the villagers cross the Nao Dihing using paid boat service. Besides the need for a bridge, the villagers say that they are losing land due to erosion. “There is an urgent need for flood protection to protect our land,” the villager said.
The villagers have fervently appealed to the state government to initiate flood protection work and construct a bridge at the earliest.
“Already the majority of land has been encroached on by Chakma settlers. Whatever remains is being lost to soil erosion caused by the Nao Dihing river. Early construction of flood protection and a bridge will be of immense help to us,” the villager said.
