Maksam Tayeng

PASIGHAT, SEP 16:

Continuous erosion caused by flooding in the Siang River has severely damaged Wet Rice Cultivation (WRC) fields and other agricultural land at Kongkin area of Borguli village under Mebo Sub-Division in East Siang district, posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of several farming families.

Taking note of the situation, East Siang ADC (HQ) and in-charge Deputy Commissioner Tatling Pertin, accompanied by Mebo ADC Nancy Yirang, Namsing Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, Water Resources Department Assistant Engineer Bani Langkam, Monggu Banggo-I ZPM Bapiyang Tayeng and Borguli village Gaon Burahs, inspected the affected areas on Wednesday to assess the extent of damage.

The inspecting team found that portions of Otil Tayeng’s WRC fields, including standing paddy crops, had been eroded, while agricultural land belonging to other farmers in the area was also under threat.

Affected farmers said recurring floods and the changing course of the Siang River have washed away large tracts of cash-crop plantations, bamboo groves and fertile agricultural land since 2021. They said the erosion has now reached WRC fields, threatening standing paddy crops that provide food and income to families in Borguli and neighbouring villages.

The area is considered one of the major rice-producing belts of Arunachal Pradesh, making the continuing loss of cultivable land a growing concern for local farmers.

The visiting officials took stock of the damage for preparation and submission of a detailed assessment report to the concerned authorities.

The affected villagers appealed to the state and Central governments for immediate intervention, adequate compensation and construction of durable flood-control and erosion-protection structures. They also sought a long-term and sustainable solution to prevent further loss of farmland, standing crops and property to the Siang River.