Siang River flooding: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu write to Rajnath Singh

GUWAHATI: Concerned over the unprecedented situation in the Siang River basin where certain areas are facing drought-like situation while others are reeling under flood, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday took up the matter with Union Home Ministry.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Khandu called for an inter-ministerial team to assess the situation for further needful action and precautionary measures.

Khandu informed the home minister about the reports of Siang River flowing above the danger level. He said many houses have been washed away due to the impact of gushing flood water. The sudden rise in the water level is causing concern among the locals, he added.

In a contrasting development, the Chief Minister said, many areas of Namsing, Mer, Gadum, Gadum-II, Kongkul and Seram Villages of Namsing Circle under Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang District, areas of Siang, Upper Siang and parts of Lower Dibang Valley Districts are under drought like situation causing untold miseries including loss of crops.

He requested the Home Ministry to depute an Inter-Ministerial team to visit the flood and drought affected areas of the state for a clearer picture to take up remedial measures immediately.

Last week following heavy rain in China, the East Siang District administration in Arunachal Pradesh besides Dhemaji and Dibrugarh district in Assam has asked the people to remain alert. Chinese Government relayed to India, due to heavy rainfall in Chinese portion, the Tsangpo River is swelling.