Silchar | A joint team comprising officials from the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has conducted a two-day field inspection in Cachar district to assess damage caused by floods and erosion, focusing on vulnerable settlements, damaged roads and critical infrastructure affected by recurring monsoon disasters.

The five-member delegation visited several flood and erosion-prone areas across the district to evaluate the extent of damage and examine restoration requirements. The inspection forms part of a broader assessment exercise aimed at documenting losses and identifying long-term mitigation measures in flood-affected regions of Assam.

According to officials, the team was led by Sanjeev Kumar Suman, Director, Central Water Commission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Other members included Prabhat Kumar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, and Dheeraj, Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The central delegation was accompanied by Kishore Dutta and Nitu Moni Borah, project officers of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, along with officials from the Cachar District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

During the visit on July 8, the team inspected several flood-hit locations in the Katigorah region, including Ganirgram, Shantipur and Kalinagar, where repeated flooding and erosion have caused significant damage to roads, residential areas and public infrastructure.

The delegation also visited the Kinokhal international border area to assess erosion-related threats and road connectivity issues. Officials examined vulnerable stretches where recurring floods have weakened embankments and increased the risk of further damage during the monsoon season.

At Amaranagar, the team inspected a damaged bridge approach that has affected transportation and local connectivity. Following the assessment, the visiting officials provided technical suggestions and assured support for restoration and strengthening of the affected infrastructure.

Sources said the team held detailed discussions with officials from the Water Resources Department and the Public Works Department to better understand the causes of recurring erosion, infrastructure damage and flood vulnerability in different parts of the district.

State officials briefed the delegation on the scale of flood-induced destruction, disruptions to public movement and transportation, and the challenges faced in maintaining connectivity during periods of heavy rainfall. They also highlighted the need for durable and scientifically designed restoration measures to reduce the impact of future floods.

The inspection assumes significance as several parts of Cachar continue to experience recurrent flooding, riverbank erosion and road connectivity disruptions, particularly in low-lying and riverine areas. Local authorities stressed that long-term solutions are needed to address the district’s persistent vulnerability rather than relying solely on temporary repair works after every monsoon.

Officials said the observations made during the field visit will contribute to a comprehensive assessment of damages and help determine future requirements for rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration and disaster mitigation.

The findings and recommendations of the Centre-State team are expected to play an important role in shaping future flood management strategies and infrastructure protection measures in the district.

For residents of erosion-prone villages and flood-affected communities, the visit has raised hopes of greater attention from both the Central and State governments towards strengthening roads, bridge approaches and other critical infrastructure vulnerable to monsoon damage.