Brahmaputra Board chairman inspects projects in Pasighat

PASIGHAT, May 14: Brahmaputra Board chairman, Dr. Ranbir Singh, conducted a two-day visit to Pasighat in East Siang on May 12 and 13.

During his visit, Dr Singh inspected ongoing projects at Remi and Oyan in the district, which are being executed by the Brahmaputra Board's Itanagar division.

He also visited proposed project sites under the Flood Management Programme for Arunachal Pradesh (FMBAP) by the Water Resources Department, Pasighat Division, focusing on erosion control and flood management at the Siang river and Sibokrong.

In an informal meeting with East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu and Water Resources Department (WRD) chief engineers of eastern and western zones, Dr Singh expressed the Board's readiness to provide technical guidance to the state.

He emphasized the need for cooperation from the state and suggested the formulation of a State Water Policy and Flood Plain Zoning Act to avail centrally funded schemes.

The chief engineers urged the Board to begin the process of upgrading the basin-wise master plan for all basins in Arunachal Pradesh. They also highlighted pending liabilities totalling Rs 2.52 crore for Flood Management Programme schemes, seeking early clearance.

Taggu requested the Brahmaputra Board and WRD department to devise proper schemes for the future, emphasizing the importance of not disturbing the natural course of rivers.

He praised the practice of owning rivers/streams, noting that it facilitates the protection of rivers/streams and their catchment areas.