Shillong, July 04, 2024: Chief Secretary D.P Wahlang, IAS, on Thursday informed that an advance funds of Rs 13.5 cr is available with the DCs and more funds will be placed. He directed all the DCs that top priority is to ensure connectivity of cut off villages in West Garo Hills District and instructed the PWD to fill all pot holes and ensure smooth movement of vehicles in the state. All districts are to ensure provision of essential commodities, medicines, drinking water and provision of toilet facilities.
He took a review meeting with all the districts to assess the status of damage to road and impact on connectivity, due to the current south west monsoon rains, relief distribution and fund position in all the districts.
Officials who attended the meeting Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department; Commissioner and Secretary PWD, (R&B) Syed Md. A. Razi, IRTS; M.War Nongbri, IAS, Secretary and ED, SDMA, Revenue & Disaster Management Department; Deputy Commissioners of all Districts; Chief Engineer PWD Roads and other officials of PWD Roads and Revenue & Disaster Management Department.
The state government is monitoring the situation as the monsoon rains damaged infrastructure, triggered landslides, tree falling incidents, flash floods as well as other damages across the districts.
The rainfall from 1st June, 2024 to 3rd June 2024 is in excess for the state with 44% departure from normal and cumulative rainfall is 1173.2 mm and widespread through out the state with more severe effect on the Southern districts of the state.
In East Jaintia Hills-
- Despite landslide, connectivity was restored on NH-6 by NHAI and Dkhiah Sutnga Saipung Moulsei Haflong (DSSMH) Road by PWD, and no major damages to other sectors in the district for the last one week. Sufficient amount of relief funds available in the district.
- The Chief Secretary directed the DC to stop all mining activities near the rivers or streams while following prescribed guidelines and SOP.
In West Jaintia Hills-
- Affected areas include Umlong- Puriang and Dawki – Amlarem Road, however all connectivity has been restored via partial clearance in the district.
- Local officers of PWD were directed to ensure that “potholes” which has developed due to incessant rains are filled, so that vehicles can move without any hindrance.
In East Khasi Hills-
- 17 roads were affected due to landslides at various locations but all of then have been cleared for traffic movement.
- DC informed that one person from Nongmynsong died due to drowning in flooded river at Umkaliar Shillong on 23rd June 2024. However, body was retrieved only on 1st July, 2024.
- The Chief Secretary directed the DC to release the ex-gratia payment as per norms.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills-
- 21 villages affected, 11 roads and 9 landslips were reported especially collapse of retaining wall etc. along Mairang – Rani Godown- Azara Road, and Mairang- Bypass Road.
- All the road communication have been restored
In Ri- Bhoi –
- Minor landslide at Umbang on the 30th June, 2024 with no damages
- No disruption in connectivity
In West Khasi Hills-
- Landslide at Tiehsaw, cleared and restored within 24 hrs.
- Areas which may get affected due to river over flow identified and vulnerable areas Malangkona- Diengdoh. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation.
In South West Khasi Hills-
- 3 incidents of landslides were reported, and no disturbances to traffic movement has been reported.
In North Garo Hills-
- No major damages reported and all landslides have been cleared.
In East Garo Hills-
- Clearance of debris occurred due to Landslides at Songkama village between Songsak and Resubelpara, and Songsak Mendipathar road has been cleared and
In West Garo Hills-
- 4 villages were completely cut off in Pattangre under Dalu Block, Dabelagre and Kopogre under Gambegre Block and Sapalgre under Selsella Block.
- The DC informed that all necessay steps are been taken and for those villages which are not accessible, boats and essential supplies will be given.
- The Chief Secretary directed that all measures to be taken and ensure that toilets, drinking water, medicines, GR materials reach the affected within 24 hr. All affected population shoild be shifted to relief camps and relief materials to be issued in the form of food, drinking water, medicines, first aid, and essential commodities.
In South West Garo Hills-
- 2 major landslides at KG Road via Zikzak location at 16 km and BM Road to Bainapara Koch open for light vehicles.
- Erosion occurred at Betasing Mellim road on downhill side by the river Dilni and temporary restoration has been made to open for light vehicle
- Food items has been distributed for the flood affected families which occurred on 1st July, 2024 and 2nd July, 2024 under Rerapara C&RD Block, South West Garo Hills, Ampati.
South Garo Hills District
- 4 locations were reported affected and the major landslide at Bolsalgre area near Baghmara Circuit House, a subway was constructed and open for vehicular movement.
- The Dobakko road was closed and submerged, however there is an alternate road for connectivity.
- Major landslide at Bolsal A’ding near Petrol pump behind Baghmara, SBI, affecting government LP School, Church and residential area (homes).