ITANAGAR : The Capital district administration (DA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have intensified emergency safety and mitigation measures following continuous rainfall and the growing threat of landslides behind Siddhartha Vihar Hall in Itanagar.
A joint inspection team led by Capital Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu visited the affected area to assess the situation and review immediate preventive measures. The team included Art & Culture Director Ibom Tao, Itanagar Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar, Range Forest Officer Techi Khili, DIPRO in-charge Rechi Lugnya Likha, District Disaster Management Officer Moromi Dodum, and officials of Capital Division-A, including the Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer.
In view of the imminent threat posed by the landslide-prone zone, notices under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, were served on May 24 to residents living below and near Siddhartha Vihar Hall, directing them to vacate vulnerable locations within 24 hours and shift to safer places.
As part of the mitigation measures, authorities have initiated trimming and removal of vulnerable trees around the area to minimise risks caused by unstable soil conditions and continuous rainfall.
Temporary slope protection measures, including the installation of tarpaulin and geo-sheets over exposed and erosion-prone slopes, have also been undertaken to reduce rainwater infiltration, prevent soil erosion and minimise further weakening of the slopes.
Meanwhile, relief camps have been identified and kept ready at Government Upper Primary School (GUPS), ESS Sector in Itanagar; Community Hall, Borum and Community Hall, G-Sector in Naharlagun; and Nikum Niya Hall in Banderdewa.
The DDMA stated that continuous monitoring of the affected area is underway and appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities and prioritise safety by relocating to safer places.
It also warned that non-compliance with evacuation directives may invite legal action under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
