Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): Excavation of riverbeds for collecting materials such as sand gravel and boulders for construction purposes is causing a threat to livelihood of the people especially those living near the river, stated N. Jacob Zhimomi, Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control, when he visited the collapsed suspension bridge between Seitheke Basa and Sodzulhou villages on Tuesday.
Stating that rampant excavation of the riverbeds has badly affected the natural river systems and as a result of which rivers are rapidly changing its course thereby causing massive soil erosion, he reiterated that riverbed excavation should be regulated so as to avoid further threat to the people. In this connection, he also directed Deputy Commissioner Dimapur to enforce strict ban on riverbed excavation. He also urged the villages located close to the rivers not to lease out riverbeds for excavation.
Interacting with the villagers of Seitheke Basa after inspecting the collapsed bridge, the Parliamentary Secretary expressed concern for the villagers and provided a sum of Rs. 1 lakh as relief fund towards restoration of suspension bridge. Earlier, he had also made a contribution of Rs. 1.50 lakh towards the renovation of the said suspension bridge.
As appealed by the villagers, he assured to take up the matter in November-December to erect river embankments along the affected areas. He also disclosed that the concerned department is trying its best to provide relief to adversely affected villages.
It may be mentioned that the suspension bridge collapsed on the night of August 12 after the bank, on which the main structure of the bridge stood, was swept away by strong current of the river.
