Ri-Bhoi steps up flood fight as Jorabat-Khanapara inundation comes under review

Shillong, July 15: With recurring floods disrupting life in the Jorabat-Khanapara corridor every monsoon, the Ri-Bhoi district administration on Wednesday initiated a coordinated push for long-term flood mitigation, bringing together key government agencies and technical experts to fast-track solutions.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini chaired a high-level meeting attended by officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Water Resources Department, Police, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Soil & Water Conservation Department, Forest Department and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Saini said the discussions focused on both immediate relief measures and long-term interventions to tackle the chronic flooding that has repeatedly affected residents and commuters in the Jorabat-Khanapara area.

He noted that while several flood mitigation projects had already been initiated in previous years, their implementation must now be accelerated to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on the densely populated and strategically important corridor linking Meghalaya and Assam.

Among the measures finalised were widening of drainage channels, desilting and cleaning of existing drains, and construction of check dams at critical locations to improve stormwater flow. The administration also identified the worst-affected stretches for priority intervention.

Saini said all concerned departments have been directed to work in close coordination to ensure the timely execution of the identified projects.

He also appealed to residents to stop dumping garbage into drains, saying clogged drainage channels have become a major contributor to urban flooding by obstructing the natural flow of rainwater.

The Deputy Commissioner said the district administration remains committed to finding a sustainable and permanent solution to the flooding problem, adding that public cooperation will be crucial in preventing practices that worsen waterlogging during the monsoon.

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