Editor,
The relentless erosion caused by the Dehing River is pushing Govt. ITI Balinong towards a catastrophic fate. What began in July 2024, when the river washed away the quarters of three staff members, has now escalated into an even more dire situation. Last week, the river has eaten away another 50 to 60 meters of land, leaving just one to two meters between the water and the boys’ hostel and colony water tank.
The hostel kitchen has been temporarily relocated, and the water pipeline was completely destroyed. Thanks to the ITI trainees, ITI staff and PHED staff, the water supply was reconnected, but the danger remains. With four to five months of continuous rain ahead, the hostel and even the academic block are at risk of being washed away.
The Principal of ITI Balinong had warned higher authorities immediately after the first incident, yet no preventive measures were taken. The ADC of Miao visited the site, but what followed? Nothing.
Now, with the rainy season continuing for the next four to five months, it is too late for any intervention. The river will continue to erode the land, and by the time authorities decide to act, Govt. ITI Balinong may no longer exist.
This failure raises serious questions:
# Why did the Commissioner and Director of the department not act when they were informed in time?
# What are the local political leaders doing? Are they waiting for the institute to vanish before they take notice?
# Where are the villagers? Why have they not raised their voices in protest?
If Govt. ITI Balinong is washed away, there is no chance of rebuilding it in the same location. It will be relocated to another district like ITI Namsai or Kanubari, and the local people will be left with nothing but regret.
The Commissioner, Director, local leaders, and the villagers must now answer for their failure. Their inaction, ignorance, and silence have sealed the fate of ITI Balinong. The damage is done, and the next few months will only confirm the loss.
Anonymous