The Chathe River flowing from upstream approaching Referral Hospital (CISHR) in the outskirts of Dimapur. Heavy rains in the last 24 hours has made the river cross the danger mark. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur| June 27
Soil erosion is threatening to wash away major portion the Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) land located along the Chathe River. The river has crossed the danger mark and strong current has washed away major portion of the boundary wall. At the time of filing this late report, it was informed that the water was continuing to take away the perimeter wall and that more than 100 metres had already been taken away and was becoming a threat to the hospital.
The river is now only a few meters away from reaching the hospital block. Authorities of CIHSR estimate that about 5 lakh rupees worth of damage has already been caused due to soil erosion. Over 133 acres of land housing several blocks of multi-storied buildings stands at risk if adequate measures are not taken immediately.
On a visit to the site with CIHSR staff Monday morning, this Reporter witnessed massive land erosion taking place along the riverbank. There is barely a few inches left of the boundary wall. Standing only a few meters from the danger mark, the land adjoining the CIHSR staff quarters has also been washed away and the river has caused a diversion towards Sitehekiema Basa. With the monsoon not likely to get over any time soon, it poses a grave threat to CIHSR and other buildings located along the riverbank.
The riverbank along the Chathe River has been eroding for years, but now it is getting dangerously close. CIHSR had sought help from the State government in 2010 to take measures but nothing was done. Before the onset of monsoon, the CIHSR had again sent reminders to the government through the Health Secretary’s office and the Development Commissioner’s office. It had also approached the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control directly but that has fallen on deaf ears.
According to authorities of CIHSR, the previous river embankment project which was done in the 1980’s has been completely washed away. In 2006, before CIHSR took over the Referral Hospital run by the State government, small repairs were carried out but not very elaborate. The authorities said that people living around the area cut off the barbed wiring and took away boulders used for river embankment.
Disappointed by the government’s apathy, the authorities reminded that CIHSR has taken the land on lease for just 30 years and that, the government will face the long term losses. “Someday the land will be returned to the government. CIHSR is not going to lose anything here,” a senior doctor with CIHSR told The Morung Express. He also stated that the government is planning to set up a medical college but if it doesn’t take measures now there will be no land left to build the college. The authorities expressed the need to take up the matter with priority and build something definitive which can withstand the river’s force. Since the onset of monsoon, Chathe River has been overflowing. There are reports of cattle being swept away, trees being uprooted and houses being damaged.
