Assam govt gets flood ready, procures 89,000 porcupine systems and 10 lakh geo bags

Assam Water Resources minister Pijush Hazarika informed about the government's move and also inspected the central godown of the Water Resources department at Basistha in Guwahati

The Assam government is working on a war footing to minimize the impact of floods during the monsoon. To give shape to its plans the Assam government has procured 89,000 sets of porcupine systems, a triangle-shaped cost effective equipment used to train rivers and manage floods and 10 lakh geo bags used to stop erosion and flood waters from causing damage.

Assam Water Resources minister Pijush Hazarika informed about the government’s move and also inspected the central godown of the Water Resources department at Basistha in Guwahati to take stock of the necessary equipment to stop erosion and minimise the impact of floods.

Hazarika reiterating about the government’s commitment to provide a sense of security to the people who often face the fury of flood waters said, “We are on very alert mode in view of the flood situation. It is a national phenomenon, it will happen. But we are making efforts to minimize the impact. Last time, we have been able to reduce the impact in Dhemaji, Majuli, Morigaon, as well as other districts”.

Minister Hazarika said, “We have procured at least 89,000 sets of porcupine and 10 lakh geo bags. Till now 26,000 sets of porcupine have been dispatched to the districts and also sent 2.50 lakh geo bags.”
“Since last year we have started to stay prepared. This time we have sent these items earlier so that the embankments can be safeguarded right from the very moment when flood waters pose to be a threat. Because of this we could succeed last year,” Hazarika further said.

Hazarika said that the government’s plans in reducing the impact of flood fury had succeeded considerably last year since the magnitude of the calamity was same as it was in 2004.

In this regard, he said, “Last year’s flood was similar to the one which occurred in 2004. As many as 354 embankments were breached in 2004 but last year only 41 embankments were eroded. 121 embankments could be saved due to efforts of our department, officials and engineers. These embankments had suffered almost 60-70% damages but things could be restored by using porcupines and geo bags, so we have procured these items earlier this time and is starting the prevention work ahead of time.”

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