MAWKYRWAT: Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein visited Balat village on Friday to review damages caused by the Umngi river.
The MLA, who was accompanied by officials of the Water Resources Department, had discussions on how to protect the village from the wrath of the river which, when at its peak, destroys houses and schools.
Speaking to reporters, CEO Water Resources KD Phawa said the department has proposed a scheme for emergency protection of the village. The plan is to dig canals on both sides of the river to divert extra volume of water. “If the state government can allot Rs 5-10 crore, we can temporarily protect the village,” he said, adding that the department will send the consultant for flood protection river training work for proposing a scheme of about Rs 50 crore to the Ministry of Water Resources. Massive soil erosion occurs from Balat to Bhowal. He said protection of Balat village and its adjoining areas is his priority. He said though it will be difficult for the department to sanction a big scheme to protect the area from Balat to Bhowal, the former needs immediate attention.
