Silchar: With the monsoon season approaching, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has intensified its flood preparedness across the Barak Valley, with a strong focus on embankment safety and rapid response mechanisms to mitigate flood risks.
High-Level Review Meeting
During a high-level review meeting held in Silchar on Friday, Additional Chief Engineer Atul Patowary instructed officials to maintain proactive alertness and ensure all preventive infrastructure is in place before the onset of heavy rains. The meeting was attended by engineers and officials from all four water resources divisions of the Barak Valley.
Field Surveys Completed
Officials confirmed that extensive field surveys have been completed across Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi districts. The department reviewed detailed reports on the condition of embankments along major rivers and tributaries, identifying vulnerable stretches that may require immediate intervention.
“The primary phase of our flood management plan is complete. We are closely monitoring embankments that have shown signs of weakness in previous seasons,” a senior WRD official said.
Strengthening Emergency Response
To enhance emergency response, the department will operationalise a 24x7 control room from May 1. Stockpiling of sandbags and geo-bags has also begun at strategic points to plug breaches or leaks at short notice.
Patowary directed all four divisions to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and act swiftly on any signs of structural stress. “If any embankment is found in a precarious condition, corrective measures must be taken immediately,” he said.
Goal of Zero Breaches
With resources being mobilised and contingency plans in place, WRD officials stated that the goal this season is to achieve “zero breaches” through early intervention and constant monitoring.
