[Assam] Dhemaji flash flood-Editorial (The Assam Tribune, 16.07.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

                                   EDITORIAL 

  
               Dhemaji flash flood
   
  The flash floods that have affected over 50,000 people in 130 villages in Dhemaji have brought to the fore the urgent need among the States to share flood-related data. The State Government has ordered a probe to ascertain the causes of the flash floods amidst mounting apprehensions that the catastrophe was induced by the sudden release of excess water from dams in Arunachal Pradesh. That there had been no heavy rain in the catchment areas of the rivers in Arunachal to cause a flood of such magnitude only gives credence to the suspicions concerning Arunachal’s hand in the disaster. The State Government must take up the matter with its Arunachal counterpart immediately, and if needed Arunachal must be held accountable for this act of gross negligence. While releasing excess water from a dam, it is imperative that the information is passed on to the downstream State in advance so that it is not caught unawares by the flood. And more importantly, there are strict guidelines
 for release of excess water in a manner that does not cause any serious flash flood. One may recall that Assam being a downstream State, it had to bear the brunt of flash floods at least a couple of times in the recent past – when China and Bhutan had released excess water from dams without providing any prior information. It is time the Government of India took up the issue with neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Tibet and China, which have effectively contributed towards aggravating the flood problem of Assam. While recurring floods have been a perennial menace in Assam, the problems get compounded in the event of a flash flood, which ensures more devastating consequences. Rescue and rehabilitation are also rendered very difficult under such circumstances. Proper monitoring of rivers, sharing of flood prediction intelligence with neighbouring States and countries, and a well-organised flood relief distribution system could go a long way in minimising the effects of the
 floods, which often tend to catch the people unawares. The complex and peculiar nature of the floods in the State makes it clear that the scourge is not going to be mitigated in the near future. What has compounded the matter is the tendency of the authorities to tackle it with routine, short-term measures, whereas the situation calls for a long-term, holistic approach. Water experts feel that a paradigm shift in the approach to address the problem is necessary for a permanent solution to the problem.

   
  (The Assam Tribune,16.07.2007) 



 			
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