NSDMA clarifies Chümoukedima SASCI projects targeted flood restoration and mitigation, while separate river erosion measures await Centre’s approval
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has clarified that three Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-funded works in Chümoukedima district were sanctioned for restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure and flash-flood mitigation, and not for comprehensive river-erosion protection.
The clarification came amid what the NSDMA described as “factually incorrect information” circulating in sections of the media and social media, which it said had caused confusion among residents, particularly in Diphupar A and Seithekhiema areas.
According to the NSDMA, the sanctioned restoration work from Diphupar A Gate to K Khel has been completed in accordance with the approved scope and site requirements.
It also stated that the flash-flood mitigation work connecting Diphupar K Khel with Airport Road had been completed, while the mitigation work from Naga United Village through Ruve Khel to Seithekhiema Basa had also been completed.
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“These works were not sanctioned as river erosion mitigation projects,” the NSDMA stated, maintaining that reports suggesting that the SASCI works were intended for comprehensive river-erosion protection were incorrect and did not reflect the approved scope.
It further clarified that the works were executed departmentally by the NSDMA and were not awarded to any private firm or contractor.
On concerns over river erosion in vulnerable areas around Chümoukedima, the NSDMA said it was aware of the problem but maintained that comprehensive erosion mitigation required separate and technically appropriate interventions.
Such measures, it stated, fall outside the scope of the present SASCI-sanctioned works.
The NSDMA stated that river-erosion mitigation measures had therefore been proposed separately under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and that the proposal was currently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Appropriate river-erosion mitigation interventions would be undertaken in identified vulnerable areas subject to approval and sanction, it added.