Works Minister takes stock of flood, landslide damage
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 30 2015 : Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar has said that a compressive flood and landslide damage report will be duly submitted to the Centre to seek a special package of Rs 600 crore to help recuperate the massive loss in the State.

An official team led by Dr Ratankumar visited Kasom Khullen in Ukhrul district on Sunday where a massive landslide had occurred recently.

The minister met the villagers and discussed ways for restoration of the affected area.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines, the Works Minister noted that flood and landslides occurred in various parts of the State recently due to incessant rains.

Ukhrul, Chandel and Thoubal districts have witnessed the bigger scale of the damage, the minister said, adding several roads in Ukhrul and Chandel had sunk and remained cut off for weeks.

He said villagers in the landslide-hit areas are suffering hardships.

The Kasom Khullen road has been left beyond repairable condition and so a 1.5 km-long new road is being developed nearby, Dr Ratankumar informed.

The minister added that some Rs 600 crore will be needed for flood relief and restoration work in landslide affected places and that a comprehensive report will be sent to the Union Government to seek a special package for this purpose.

Dr Ranatakumar said short term measures will be taken up to repair all the damaged roads and make them motorable at the earliest possible time, besides plans are afoot for a long term policy.

He said the Tengnoupal-Sangsad road will be upgraded to a national highway soon and the Centre is taking up plans to expedite the road development work.

There is need to make a concerted effort to stop activities of jhum cultivation and deforestation in the hills, he stressed.

Dr Ratankumar also informed that efforts are on to introduce geogrid in hills areas susceptible to mudslides.

For the new measure, which has already been taken up in some States, a kind of grass found in Africa will be planted at the vulnerable areas to prevent landslides, he added.

A geogrid is geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials.

Geogrids are commonly used to reinforce retaining walls, as well as subbases or subsoils below roads or structures.

Soils pull apart under tension.

Compared to soil, geogrids are strong in tension.

During the trip the minister was accompanied by the PWD Chief Engineer and several officials.

Comment