Fear and anxiety gripped the residents of Gamtal village under Assam’s Tengakhat constituency on Wednesday as water began leaking from multiple sections of a newly constructed embankment, raising the specter of flooding with the monsoon intensifying.
The embankment, built to protect the low-lying Gamtal and adjoining areas from the swelling Burhi Dihing River, began showing signs of structural weakness just days after completion. Locals spotted several leakage points and rising damp patches along the outer wall, prompting immediate alerts to local authorities.
Fresh Embankment, Old Fears
The structure, completed last month as part of a flood control project sanctioned by the Assam Water Resources Department, was meant to fortify the region ahead of the monsoon season. Instead, early signs of leakage have shaken public confidence and stirred memories of past flood disasters.
“We were assured this embankment would keep us safe this year. Now it’s leaking even before the rain has fully begun,” said Ranjan Chetia, a farmer from Gamtal, expressing his distress.
The affected region lies in a flood-prone zone, where breaches in previous embankments have led to crop loss, displacement, and property damage nearly every monsoon season.
Officials Rush to the Site
Following public outcry, a team of engineers and officials from the Dibrugarh district administration and Water Resources Department reached the site on Wednesday afternoon to assess the damage. Initial inspections suggest poor compaction and seepage pathways as the likely causes of the leaks.
The officials have reportedly started sandbagging the vulnerable sections as a temporary measure while further technical reviews are underway. Meanwhile, residents have been advised to stay alert and avoid the riverbank.
“We are taking the situation seriously and will reinforce the embankment immediately,” said a senior engineer involved in the project. “Our goal is to prevent any breach and ensure community safety.”
Community Demands Accountability: Tengakhat Gamtal
Public anger is also rising over the quality of construction and contractor accountability. Villagers claim that portions of the embankment were hurriedly built without adequate curing time or supervision. Several local organizations are now demanding a probe into the construction process and proper auditing of the funds allocated.
Local student and youth organizations like the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have also raised concerns. Alleging mismanagement and lack of transparency in embankment-related projects across Assam.
“Every year, we see embankments fail in one district or another. This points to systemic negligence. An independent audit must be done,” said a spokesperson for AASU’s Dibrugarh unit.
Monsoon Looms Over Vulnerable Region
With the monsoon rains already making landfall in upper Assam, the urgency to address the leaks has increased. The Burhi Dihing River, which flows close to Gamtal, has started rising due to upstream rainfall. Any breach could inundate nearby villages and farmland, affecting hundreds of families.
The district administration has placed relief and rescue teams on standby and is coordinating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in case of an emergency.
The incident in Gamtal is another reminder of the fragility of flood protection infrastructure in Assam and the urgent need for quality control and long-term solutions. As embankments continue to serve as a critical line of defense against rising rivers, ensuring their durability is vital.
The people of Gamtal now wait anxiously, hoping for immediate repairs and long-term commitment from authorities to secure their homes and livelihoods.
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