It is very unfortunate that five persons in the capital region lost their lives in the devastating floods caused by torrential rain in the last few days. The floodwaters damaged several houses in the capital region. The worst affected area is Modirijo Colony in Itanagar where around 18 houses were washed away and 37 houses were partially damaged. Floodwater also damaged many houses in Donyi Polo Colony, the Lobby area, and near Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College in Itanagar, and in Press Colony in Naharlagun. In addition to the destruction of houses, floodwaters claimed many government and private properties, including approach roads and culverts.
The capital district administration took prompt action. The deputy commissioner visited the affected areas, met the victims, and also issued an order asking the people to shift in safer locations or temporary relief camps to avoid nature’s fury. Observing the impact of the devastation caused by floodwaters, local MLA Techi Kaso said it was ‘an eye-opener for all of us.’
We cannot deny the fact that flood in Arunachal Pradesh is an annual phenomenon. Devastating flood destroys properties worth crores of rupees, and claims human lives and livestock almost every year. As always, the government is assessing the damages of properties in the flood-affected areas for submission of report to the Centre, which is essential for flood restoration works after the monsoon session.
Apart from distribution of relief, cautioning the people against flood devastation, and assessment of property loss, the government must give a serious thought to the flood fury in the state. Considering the nature of the soil of Arunachal Pradesh, the state government must prepare strict guidelines, so that extra caution is exercised in construction of private houses and government infrastructure, including roads and culverts, to withstand the nature’s fury.