Heavy siltation adds to post-flood woes in Assam

Guwahati, Sept 8 (UNI) Fear stalks the farmers as flood waters recede in Puthimari area of Assam's Kamrup (rural) district, leaving behind vast tracts of fertile land filled with sand, making it uncultivable.

Heavy siltation has taken place in about 5,000 bighas of crop land in Puthimari area as per preliminary estimates, confirmed Kamrup (rural) deputy commissioner R C Jain.

The assessment of crop land and actual crops damaged has started, but the flood water would have to recede completely for the total estimates, he added.

Damage to crops would be maximum as the floods came late in the season and the heavy siltation has only worsened the situation.

The Puthimari river had breached its banks at four places on August 31 and submerged all adjoining areas, including overtopping NH 31, the vital road link for the entire NE region, that still continues to be snapped.

Mr Jain informed that the river channel formed by the breaches has to dry up before the actual assessment can be done. '' The breaches would have to be plugged after the river water level recedes and we are already working on it. Moreover, whether the channel would dry permanently can also be ascertained only after the repairing,'' he added.

The DC said the administration would provide all necessary assistance to the farmers for de-siltation and revitalizing the crop land.

Many affected people were also unable to return home though water has receded as their houses were filled with sand.

The Puthimari was still flowing above the danger level at 51.85 mts at the national highway crossing.

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