Critical Sluice Gates in Silchar Under Scrutiny by March for Science Silchar Chapter

A group of representatives from March for Science Silchar Chapter visited the sluice gates and embankments near Silchar city on May 30 to assess their current condition. The delegation, including Ashu Paul, Krishanu Bhattacharya, Hanif Ahmed Barbhuiya, Yunis Ali Chowdhury, and Hillol Bhattacharya, voiced concerns about the possibility of another catastrophic flood similar to the one in 2022. They blamed the previous flood on the negligence of the Water Resources Department and the Assam government.

In June 2022, Silchar faced severe flooding that left residents trapped in their homes. The memory of that devastating flood continues to haunt the people of Silchar. Recent heavy rainfall has raised the water level of the Barak River, submerging many rural areas and causing evacuations. This has again made Silchar residents fearful of potential flooding.

Following the 2022 flood, March for Science conducted a detailed study of the embankments that failed to protect the city. The study, carried out from July 11 to 14 along a 32 km stretch from Kashipur Nathpara to Sonabarighat, concluded that the flood was not solely due to a damaged section of the embankment at Kararpara. The report, sent to various government officials, highlighted two critical points of failure: a broken sluice gate near Kalibarichar Shuntkipatty and an incomplete sluice gate near the Umar Mosque in the Berenga Khas area.

During the recent inspection, the organisation noted that the Water Resources Department officials were not present at either location. Water from the Barak River entering through the sluice gate near Kalibarichar will likely flood areas such as Janiganj and other nearby areas, eventually submerging other parts of the city. More alarming is the earthen embankment over the sluice gate in Berenga Khas, recently narrowed by a contractor using a JCB excavator to create a foundation for a protection wall. This embankment is at high risk, with about nine metres of water on the Barak River side and approximately eight metres lower on the inner side. If not promptly addressed, the soil above the sluice gate could collapse, leading to a repeat of the previous flood scenario.

March for Science also observed the dire situation on Shivbari Road in Tarapur and criticised the relevant department for neglecting the most sensitive area along the Barak Riverbank over the past two years. Despite repeated promises of repair and funding for the broken section of Shivbari Road, no progress has been made, leaving the issue unresolved.

The organisation reassured residents that water from Mahisha Beel is not yet entering the city through Rangirkhal but is slowly entering Mahisha Beel from Berenga. Therefore, there is no need to panic about the water entering under the sluice gate at Betukandi. However, if the Water Resources Department focuses solely on the sluice gate at Kararpara and ignores other potential disaster areas, the situation could become severe. The public needs to pressure elected representatives to ensure the Water Resources Department is more proactive in preventing another flood.

It should be noted that from 1 am to 7 am on May 31, the water level at Annapurna Ghat remained steady at 21.54 metres. From 8 am onwards, the water level started falling by 1 cm per hour. This could be seen as a positive development in the situation, which might mean the danger of flooding is decreasing. As of 10am the water level is at 21.51 meters.