Minister Pijush Hazarika inspects Bethukandi barrage, promises flood-free Silchar this monsoon season

By barakbulletin On May 4, 2023 - 3:16 pm

Minister Pijush Hazarika promised residents of Silchar that the city will be flood-free this time after inspecting the controversial Bethukandi barrage under construction. Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika arrived in Barak Valley on Wednesday to inspect the barrages under construction in view of the upcoming monsoon season. After inspecting the work of various barrages in Hailakandi and Karimganj on Wednesday, Pijush Hazarika inspected the construction of the controversial Bethukandi barrage on the Barak river in Cachar district today and told that the work of the barrage is about 70% complete. The Minister said the work of the Betukandi barrage will be completed before the next monsoon season. He also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work.

Speaking to reporters Pijush Hazarika said, “The work of Bethukandi barrage is 70% complete. It will be fully complete before the monsoon season. The quality of the work is also very good. The engineers have told me that they have performed the work well and I trust them. They know the technicalities of the work. I will take action against my department and the contractor if irregularities are found in the work.”

It maybe mentioned that the Bethukandi barrage was damaged by some miscreants last year. After that, it led to massive flood situation in Silchar city for many days as the water level of Barak river rose. In such circumstances, the Chief Minister himself visited Silchar twice to take stock of the situation. The investigation of the breach of Bethukandi barrage was handed over to CID. After completing the investigation, CID arrested many people in connection with the incident. Under the CM’s direction, the repair of Bethukandi barrage started immediately. But after some days the work mysteriously stopped. After the people and organisations of Silchar started protesting, the work again started on direction of Minister Pijush Hazarika and 59 crores was alloted for it.