Initiatives such as the Flood Plain Zoning and Flood Early Warning System are in the pipeline: CM
SHILLONG, March 4: Facing severe flooding almost annually and frustrated by the recurring response that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is still under preparation, the Opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday questioned the state government’s commitment to mitigating floods in the plain belts of Garo Hills.
In response to a query by TMC MLA Mizanur Kazi regarding long-term infrastructure projects planned to address flooding in the West Garo Hills plain belt, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that the DPR is currently being prepared for the protection of riverbanks from Patakata village to Bhaitbari village in Phulbari town. The project aims to prevent erosion caused by the Brahmaputra and Jinjiram rivers in West Garo Hills.
On measures taken to maintain and reinforce existing embankments and drainage systems, the chief minister said that the Public Works Department (Roads) has been carrying out repair works from time to time. These include restoring eroded portions and damaged embankments caused by the Rongai and Jinjiram rivers, as well as backflow from the Brahmaputra during the monsoon. The department has been using boulder sausages, jute bag earth fillings, and palisading techniques. Additionally, some new protection works have been undertaken and others are in the proposal stage.
Addressing long-term plans to combat climate change impacts that may worsen flooding in the region, the chief minister stated that initiatives such as Flood Plain Zoning and a Flood Early Warning System are in the pipeline.
He also mentioned that the government is considering the construction of reservoirs in upper reaches, incorporating flood moderation as a key component to mitigate flooding in highly vulnerable basins.
The Meghalaya State Action Plan on Climate Change is currently being developed by the Meghalaya Climate Change Centre.
Highlighting that flooding remains a recurring problem in the plain belts of Garo Hills, MLA Mizanur Kazi sought clarity on the status of the DPR and the expected timeline for initiating groundwork. The Chief Minister responded, “The project is being handled by the Brahmaputra Board, and the DPR is under preparation. Since multiple agencies are involved, the process is complex, making it difficult to provide a specific timeline. However, we are pushing to ensure that work starts at the earliest.”
He also assured that all relevant departments are actively involved and working in close coordination.
DPR dilemma
Raising a supplementary question, TMC MLA Rupa Marak inquired about the expected timeframe for DPR completion, emphasising that the issue has been repeatedly raised in the past, only to receive the same response — that the DPR is still under preparation.
The chief minister reiterated that the DPR is in progress but emphasized the challenges posed by coordination between the state government, the Brahmaputra Board, and the central government.
“Due to the involvement of multiple agencies, the process is taking longer than expected, making it difficult to provide a specific timeline. However, we are actively pursuing the matter to ensure the DPR is finalized as soon as possible so that work can commence at the earliest,” he assured.