Exclusive: Minister Pijush Hazarika likely to visit Silchar on 5th; “Work going on in full swing,” says on Bethukandi

On February 20, 2023, Barak Bulletin published a story highlighting the concerns of the locals residing in and around the Bethukandi dyke. The locals alleged that the high-profile visits following the unprecedented urban deluge of 2022, did not yield any productive on-ground progress.

The dyke is yet to be fully repaired and another monsoon can put the temporary arrangements under pressure, fear the locals. After the news report was published, opposition parties started questioning the Government’s lackluster attitude when it comes to the renovation of the vulnerable zone.

What blew the situation out of proportion was Silchar MP, Dr. Rajdeep Roy’s press conference where he said, “The work at Bethukandi did not progress at the pace I would have liked and let’s be honest about it.”

In an exclusive conversation with Barak Bulletin, Water Resources Minister of Assam, Pijush Hazarika shared his reaction to the allegations related to Bethukandi dyke, “Nobody participated in the tender first, we invited the tender again & fortunately some contractors had participated & we already awarded & the work also has been started & going on full swing,” said the Minister.

While he did not mention Rajdeep Roy or his comment, the minister said, “My job is only to complete the work and to protect the respected people of Cachar. So, I am not concerned with anything else.”

The Minister is likely to pay a visit to Bethukandi dyke and review the flood control work in progress. Though his itinerary is not fixed yet, he shared, he is likely to visit on March 5, 2023.