Dimapur, August 11 (MExN): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) on Tuesday clarified that the flood restoration and mitigation works executed in Chümoukedima district under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme were strictly for flood restoration and flash flood mitigation, and not for comprehensive river erosion control as being incorrectly reported in certain sections of media and social media.
In a detailed statement issued in the public interest, the NSDMA, under the Home Department, informed that all sanctioned works under the SASCI Scheme have been completed according to their approved scope. The clarification comes amid “confusion among the public,” particularly in the Diphupar A and Seithekhiema areas, over the nature and objectives of the projects, it stated.
The Authority stated that the restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure from K Khel, Diphupar A, has been completed from the Diphupar A Gate up to K Khel. Additionally, flash flood mitigation work at Diphupar K Khel connecting Airport Road, and similar mitigation work from Naga United Village, Ruve Khel to Seithekhiema Basa have also been finished.
“These works were executed in accordance with the approved scope and site requirements, with the objective of mitigating flash-flood impacts and protecting vulnerable road infrastructure,” the NSDMA noted.
It was categorically stated that the projects were not sanctioned as river erosion mitigation projects. “Therefore, reports or statements suggesting that the sanctioned SASCI works were meant for comprehensive river erosion protection are incorrect and do not reflect the approved scope of the projects,” the release emphasised.
It is further clarified that the works were executed departmentally by NSDMA and were not awarded as contracts to any private firm or contractor. “The interventions were undertaken in accordance with the approved departmental implementation mechanism and based on technical assessments, site conditions and the disaster risk mitigation requirements of the affected communities,” it added.
River erosion proposal under MHA consideration
Addressing the larger concern of riverbank degradation, the NSDMA acknowledged that it is fully conscious of the river erosion issues affecting vulnerable areas in and around Chümoukedima. “However, comprehensive river erosion mitigation requires a separate and technically appropriate intervention and does not fall within the scope of the present SASCI-sanctioned works,” it clarified.
“Accordingly, river erosion mitigation measures have been proposed separately under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and the proposal is presently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Subject to its approval and sanction, appropriate river erosion mitigation interventions will be undertaken in the identified vulnerable areas,” the Authority stated.
The NSDMA reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of the people. It appealed to media organisations and social media users to verify facts regarding the sanctioned scope of works before publishing or circulating information that could create misunderstanding or public apprehension.
“The NSDMA values constructive public engagement and appreciates the important role of the media and the community in matters of public interest,” it added.
