NGOs of Silchar jointly submit memorandum to DC Cachar urging him to take preventive measures like dredging, eviction, renovation of sluice gates

In a joint initiative forum by over 16 NGOs, have submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar. Their demand is proactive developmental activities to avoid another devastating flood in the future. Silchar and the entire Barak Valley saw the most devastating floods in June 2022. This has wrecked havoc with the loss of many lives and damage to property.

These NGOs have collectively established a forum with the name Humans of Silchar, which submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner yesterday. This forum believes that the reason behind the last flood was not just the breach of Bethukandi embankment, but there are other reasons as well. They have highlighted 9 demands in front of the DC through the memorandum.

Other than raising the height of the embankments on both sides of the river Barak, they have also demanded to remove the encroachments from the main drains or khals, that drain the river water from the town. This forum has also requested the DC set up a high-level inquiry to find out the reason for the recent flood so that the liability can be fixed. The introduction of inland waterway connectivity between Silchar and Guwahati was also raised. In this regard, regular dredging of the riverbed was referred to, as well.

The memorandum also read, “creation of a detailed Disaster Management Scheme” along with the local NGOs to strengthen local level disaster management. Silchar has a huge problem with garbage disposal and management, this problem was also highlighted. The last demand was the demolition of unauthorized structures and the remodelling of building structures.

The NGOs that have submitted the memorandum include Vihaan, Awaz, Smile, Silchar Milaap, Young Mind Organisation, Dhaga, Thousand Shayantan, Subir & friends, Lifeline foundation, Anandakriti, Udoy er Pothe, NCYS, Barak Valley Welfare Development, Joy Radhe, Leo club of Silchar central, Robinhood Army, Ecoalarmist and many other individuals who joined hands to create the forum Humans of Silchar.