Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Sep 4: Severe erosion caused by flooding in the Siang River has led to extensive loss of agricultural land in several villages under Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang district, leaving many farming families concerned about their livelihoods and future.
According to local villagers, the erosion has already swept away large areas of cash crops and bamboo groves. The situation is now becoming increasingly alarming in Borguli village, where valuable Wet Rice Cultivation fields are reportedly coming under the direct threat of river erosion.
Villagers have appealed to the government for immediate intervention and the construction of lasting flood control and erosion protection measures to safeguard agricultural land and prevent further losses.
Speaking to the Pasighat News team, Otil Tayeng showed the extensive damage caused by the advancing river erosion. Tayeng said that he has already lost approximately eight acres of bamboo grove, which was an important source of income for his family.
A visibly disheartened Tayeng said that his agricultural land is the primary source of livelihood through which he supports his family and provides education to his children. With the erosion continuing to advance, he fears that the remaining portions of his land could disappear into the river at any time.
According to him, the erosion in the area began in 2021 and has been increasing rapidly over the years, causing growing concern among farmers and residents living along the vulnerable riverbank areas.
The villagers have now urged Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu to take up the matter on priority and initiate rapid and permanent embankment reinforcement and other effective flood protection measures.
With the erosion continuing to threaten farmland and livelihoods, the affected residents have stressed the urgent need for a long-term and sustainable solution before more agricultural land and properties are lost to the Siang River.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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