Cachar District Administration Warns of Removing Unauthorised Structures Obstructing Rangirkhal’s Natural Flow

Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to public safety, urban flood management and disaster preparedness, the District Administration, Cachar, has issued firm and time-bound directives for the removal of all unauthorised and illegal constructions that are obstructing the natural flow of Rangirkhal, a vital drainage and stormwater channel serving Silchar town. The decisive administrative action follows a comprehensive field assessment and detailed report submitted by the Executive Engineer, Cachar Water Resources Division, which brought to light the presence of several unauthorised concrete and bamboo bridges, makeshift crossings and allied structures constructed along the stretch of Rangirkhal from Mahisabeel Point to Sunlit Hospital.

The report underlined that these unapproved structures have severely hampered the free flow of water through the Khal, creating artificial bottlenecks and significantly affecting routine desiltation and drainage operations. The obstruction of the natural watercourse has led to increased vulnerability to flooding and prolonged waterlogging in surrounding residential and commercial areas, particularly with the onset of the forthcoming monsoon season. Taking serious note of the potential risks posed to human lives, public property and critical urban infrastructure, the District Administration has moved swiftly to address the issue in a preventive and systematic manner.

In order to avert any possible disaster situation and to safeguard the interests of the general public, the District Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Mridul Yadav, IAS, has invoked the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Through the issued order, all concerned citizens, shop owners, institutions and other stakeholders have been categorically directed to remove any unauthorised temporary or permanent structures constructed over or across Rangirkhal within a period of ten days from the date of issuance of the order. The administration has also made it explicitly clear that any failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated timeframe will leave the authorities with no option but to carry out demolition and clearance operations on their own, with the entire cost and associated risks to be borne by the defaulters.

Upon completion of the removal of encroachments, the Water Resources Department, in close coordination with the Silchar Municipal Corporation and other concerned line departments, will undertake comprehensive desiltation and restoration works along the affected stretch of Rangirkhal. These measures are aimed at restoring the natural flow of water, ensuring unhindered drainage during heavy rainfall, and substantially reducing the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas of Silchar.

The order further stipulates that no new construction, whether temporary or permanent, shall be permitted over Rangirkhal or any other natural drainage channel without obtaining prior approval from the competent authority. This provision has been incorporated to prevent future encroachments and to reinforce the administration’s long-term commitment to protecting natural waterways and strengthening the town’s resilience against climate-induced disasters.

Issued in the larger interest of public safety, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction, the order has come into force with immediate effect and is expected to significantly contribute to improved drainage management and flood preparedness in the district.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information and Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.