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It’s a Northeast India Water Talks (NEIWT) initiative.
Tripura: (Flood; new takeaway; the deforestation and monoculture activities, unscientific berries on natural drainage system, encroachments on wetlands, and management of aged dam are the causes of the Tripura flood, notably influenced by climate change.)
Nagaland: (The connection between Dimapur and Kohima was affected by heavy rains and landslides. This became a seasonal problem in the state. The early warning of the release of water from the reservoir always puts people downstream in danger.)
Mizoram: (Heavy rainfall force to close down the schools. Mizoram enforces the Mizoram Ground Water (Control and Regulation) Rules, 2024 to regulate equal distribution of groundwater and meaningful management)
Manipur: (After the Imphal Valley flood, the Manipur is facing serious problem of eco restoration. The relief for the fish farmers crosses 150 cores itself. To mitigate the chronic crisis of water scarcity in the valley by improving the water infrastructure and campaign for the catch the rain mission, ministerial team visited to Manipur in the month of August 2024)
Assam: (A dry land suddenly flooded, the resident of Ranjita Bania a member of NEIW in Borhat shows the unpredictability rate. The Guwahati is overwhelmed with urban flooding put the policymakers to review the urban infrastructure. In this month Assam Introduce Bill on Preservation Of Urban Water Bodies)
Arunachal Pradesh: (Arunachal Pradesh is always been a place of controversy for hydropower building. In this month the issues of glacial lake survey, the effort to high altitude wetland conservation, and the virtual inauguration of aqua park by PM Modi are in news headline)
Tripura: (Flood; new takeaway; the deforestation and monoculture activities, unscientific berries on natural drainage system, encroachments on wetlands, and management of aged dam are the causes of the Tripura flood, notably influenced by climate change.)
Deforestation, changing land use, encroachment of natural drainage, lack of flood infrastructure maintenance along with an undulating terrain mean floods are deadlier and harder to deal with
Experts have blamed human-induced climate change for the floods in Tripura that have claimed the lives of 31 people so far.
Tripura is prone to flooding due to its geographical location and topography. However, this time, the crisis that the heavy monsoon rainfall has unleashed is multifaceted. It led to overflowing rivers, landslides, and unprecedented flooding in dozens of villages.
The state also witnessed a record-breaking 288.8 mm of rainfall in a single day on August 20.
The heavy rainfall affected the districts of South Tripura, Khowai Tripura, West Tripura and Gomati. The South Tripura district is the worst-hit due to the floods.
According to the state’s Revenue Department, the most severely impacted areas are Bagafa (375.8 mm) and Belonia (324.4 mm) in South Tripura and Amarpur (307.1 mm) in the Gomati district.
Due to heavy rainfall, major rivers such as Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, Manu, and Khowai are known to have exceeded danger levels, heightening the risk of additional flooding in downstream areas.
For example, the Manu River in Kailashahar crossed the critical level of 23.05 metres at 8 AM on August 20.
The floods also caused damage to livelihoods, with numerous people being forced to abandon their homes.
As many as 46,271 families have been displaced, with the total affected population being estimated at 1.7 million. Many displaced families were forced to take asylum in relief camps set up by the government and non-governmental organisations.
“We have not witnessed such a situation before. We have not only lost our houses but the cattle, which are our insurance against crop failures, are all gone,” Tokbulu Debbarma told Down To Earth (DTE). Tripura’s floods ‘classic example’ of climate change intensifying extreme weather events: Experts
Damned by floodwaters: Due to heavy rainfall, the Dumbur dam, located in the Gandatwisa sub-division and Dhalai district of Tripura, is overflowing and wreaking havoc in the areas nearby. Neighbouring Bangladesh, which is already embroiled in a political crisis, is also complaining about the release of water, which it claims has flooded many of its villages and the city of Feni.
Dumbur dam was built in 1974 and the increase in rainfall in recent decades has often overwhelmed its capacity.
This time, the authorities had no option but to release the excess water from the reservoir — after three decades. The last time water from the dam was released was in 1993.
Since the dam doesn’t produce any energy anymore, it is speculated that it has not been paid heed to or repaired for a long while.
The deputy general manager of the Gumti Hydel Project informed DTE that the release of water was imminent as the water level spiked up to 93.85 metres, whereas the danger level is 94 metres.
Tarit Kanti Chakma, the district magistrate of Gomati district has issued an advisory, urging downstream residents along the Gomati River to undertake appropriate precautionary measures.
But the rural residents in the downstream areas are virtually on their own.
“We had not witnessed such a flood ever. While we were responding to the crisis, the dam suddenly released excess water. Our house is located on an elevated hillock and we were assured of our safety. But as soon as the dam broke, water invaded our backyard and people ran all around in panic,” Sourav Debnath, a 30-year-old resident of a downstream hamlet, told DTE.
“And we just watched helplessly, thinking our house might be the next one. The water kept rising till 12 at midnight. I didn’t sleep for the entire night,” he added.
According to Debnath, it took 10 hours for the water to go down 18 inches. Presently, the water has almost entirely subsided.
“All we can see around the whole village are broken houses, ravaged forests, rubber plantations, mud-covered rice fields and people wandering, crying, looking for food and drinking water,” the 30-year-old said while sharing his ordeal.
Looking tense and worried, 55-year-old Shanti Jamatia of Killa village in Gumati district told DTE:
“Our pond and agricultural land got destroyed due to the heavy rainfall. Our rubber trees are damaged too. Who will compensate for our losses now?” she asked in vain.
The displacement of people also posed challenges in terms of hygiene and access to medical facilities. Antarlina Bhattacharjee, a 26-year-old, who was volunteered in the relief measures told DTE:
“When we went to the villages, people were competing for relief materials among each other and scuffles broke out. It was a desperate scenario. Our relief packages were not enough to placate them. And the worst is that they now have no clean water to drink, and many of them are already showing symptoms of water-borne disease. Because of the rise in water level, snakes are coming out and snakebites are yet another threat,” Bhattacharjee said.
Tripura’s undulating terrain, with hills and valleys, uneven topography, and inadequacies in the state’s drainage system, makes it more vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.
The situation is barely better in the urban centres such as Agartala, which are reeling under waterlogging and difficulty in transportation.
The Northeastern state’s vulnerability is further aggravated by ongoing deforestation and shifts in land use patterns with new monoculture plantations like areca nut, which have intensified the severity of these hydrological challenges over time.
The reduction in forest cover has reduced the soil’s ability to absorb water, increasing surface runoff. Also, the steep slopes and deforested areas contribute to rapid runoff, exacerbating the flooding.
Changes to natural drainage channels for construction and agriculture further hampers water absorption and drainage, leading to extensive floods. The region experienced incessant rainfall during the monsoon season, which led to the swelling of rivers like Haora, Gomati, and Manu.
Poorly maintained embankments and the lack of proper flood management infrastructure make these rivers more likely to breach their banks, flooding nearby areas.
“So, the planning and actions to prevent the crisis from worsening should have been taken well in advance. They [authorities] could have started releasing water from Dumbur dam much earlier in lesser volumes rather than releasing it in one go,” he said.
“The release of water should have been done after alerting all the downstream areas. The Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) doesn’t have much information on their website and the Facebook page,” Thakkar pointed out.
Regarding the impact of climate change on Tripura, Thakkar underlined India’s disaster management system at large needs an overhaul.
“So there was heavy rainfall upstream, which they did not care about and that created havoc. They are not updating their communication systems in a timely manner,” he remarked.
“For example, the same was the case in Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat) during last year’s heavy rainfall. They didn’t open the gates till water entered into the reservoir,” he reminded.
(by Thomas Malsom and Monoj Gogoi)
Sikkim: (Extremely Heavy Rains in the month of August- a place where the landslide become new normal. The Teesta always been in news headline for its potential capacities for the hydropower production. Along with the investment on almost in all the water infrastructure, Sikkim’s focus on the Water ATM will give a new direction towards drinking water. The rehabilitation of those displaced by the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is another key issue emerged. On the other hand, the tourism industries highlighted Sikkim as a place of monsoon paradise)
Nearly 10 months after a devastating flood swept a bomb away from the Army’s ammunition depot at Bardang in East Sikkim, the explosive was safely defused on Thursday, police confirmed.
Residents of the 20 Mile area in Bardang discovered the bomb and promptly reported it to the Rangpo police station. The Army’s bomb disposal unit in Bardang, located about 29 kilometers from Gangtok, was notified and successfully neutralized the explosive.
Source: https://voiceofsikkim.com/bomb-from-flooded-sikkim-army-depot-safely-defused-after-10-month-ordeal/
Rejuvenated Sikkim: a must-visit monsoon paradise in August
The month of August falls in the midst of the monsoon season in Sikkim, breathing new life into the hilly state. As other parts of India grapple with sultry summer heat, Sikkim transforms into a magical monsoon paradise – lush green valleys, gushing waterfalls cascading down misty mountains, sparkling lakes nestled amid emerald forests.
Though the skies are overcast, August still sees bright sunny spells in Sikkim. The rains rejuvenate the landscapes, allowing nature to burst into full bloom. Wildflowers like primulas, poppies, orchids and rhododendrons paint the hillsides in vivid colours. The earthy petrichor aroma fills the air. Trekking trails get covered in velvety moss. Bird calls echo through the dripping foliage.
Source: https://sikkimtourism.org/sikkim-weather-in-august/
A weather system that had been brewing over East India as a low-pressure area has formed over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand. This, coupled with an active monsoon trough, is expected to bring torrential rains to the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rains (more than 204.5 mm) over Bikar, Kharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Sikkim. Then, heavy to very heavy rainfall (64.5 mm-204.5 mm) is very likely in isolated parts of Gangetic West Bengal on Friday (August 2); Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura until Tuesday (August 6).
The Sikkim government has approved a budget of Rs 14,490.67 crore for the financial year 2024-25, with a focus on enhancing key infrastructure and sectors, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay announced today.
The budget aims to improve electricity, drinking water, road connectivity, health, education, and tourism sectors, addressing the state’s significant issues. The government has also allocated funds for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sikkim’s Statehood, scheduled for August 15, 2024.
The citizens of Sikkim are appealing to the state government to reconsider its current developmental model, particularly regarding hydropower projects. They urge the government to halt the controversial NHPC 520 MW Stage IV project and consider decommissioning existing dams like NHPC Stage V and Stage III, given the region’s vulnerability to GLOFs and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The call is clear: it’s time to rethink the future of hydropower in Sikkim before it’s too late.
Nagaland: (The connection between Dimapur and Kohima was affected by heavy rains and landslides. This became a seasonal problem in the state. The early warning of the release of water from the reservoir always puts people downstream in danger.)
Alternative energy rise to impact value of Nagaland’s oil reserves, says Geology and Mining Director
Going by the current crude oil extraction rates, Nagaland’s fossil fuel reserves are projected to be depleted by 2060, according to Dr. Kenyelo Rengma, Additional Director of the Department of Geology and Mining.
Speaking at the 44th State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) meeting held in Dimapur on Friday, Dr. Rengma highlighted the rise of alternative energy sources like solar and lithium batteries, saying that the value of crude oil and gas would decline in the coming years.
Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Wokha, Nagaland, Vineet Kumar, IAS, has issued a public notice regarding the rising water levels in the Doyang Reservoir due to incessant rainfall in the catchment area of the Doyang River.
The water level is expected to reach full reservoir level if the current inflow continues.
In response to this situation, the radial gates of the Doyang Dam will be opened to release excess water in a controlled manner. This operation will cause the excess inflow to spill over and flow downstream of the Doyang Power House.
Mizoram: (Heavy rainfall force to close down the schools. Mizoram enforces the Mizoram Ground Water (Control and Regulation) Rules, 2024 to regulate equal distribution of groundwater and meaningful management)
The Mizoram government announced the closure of all schools in four districts on Wednesday due to heavy rainfall. Schools in Aizawl, Lunglei, Hnahthial, and Mamit will remain closed due to weather conditions and torrential rain in the districts. The district administration of Aizawl, Lunglei, Hnahthial, and Mamit also issued separate public notices on Wednesday, stating that all schools will remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Mizoram: Ground water extraction to require government permission now
With the implementation of the Mizoram Ground Water (Control and Regulation) Act 2023 and the Mizoram Ground Water (Control and Regulation) Rules, 2024, any household or person seeking extraction of ground water will now require permission from the government, a minister said on Wednesday.
Manipur: (After the Imphal Valley flood, the Manipur is facing serious problem of eco restoration. The relief for the fish farmers crosses 150 cores itself. To mitigate the chronic crisis of water scarcity in the valley by improving the water infrastructure and campaign for the catch the rain mission, ministerial team visited to Manipur in the month of August 2024)
Manipur: Fish farms worth Rs 178 crore destroyed, government provides relief
A recent report by the state fishery department has revealed that the devastating floods in Thoubal, Manipur have destroyed fish farms worth approximately Rs 178 crore, affecting the livelihoods of numerous fish farmers.
The floods, which occurred in the third week of August 2024, inundated vast areas of fish farms in the Lilong, Thoubal, and Wangjing-Tentha sub-divisions, resulting in significant economic losses.
Ukhrul, home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe in Manipur, is known for its rich biodiversity, with thick forests and undulating mountains. The virgin forests have fed generations as their vital source of livelihood. However, over the years, the once-revered green forests and resources have slowly depleted and degraded due to the rampant cutting of trees for traditional jhum cultivation and other human activities.
A central Ministerial team visited the state to assess, monitor, and progress made in various water conservation measures in the face of a chronic water shortage in the Imphal city of Manipur.
A meeting on “Jal Shakti Abhiyan-Catch the Rain 2024” (JSA-CTR-2024), organized by the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, was held at Imphal on Thursday.
Meghalaya Water Floods Guwahati, Assam Minister Blames Neighboring State
Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has attributed the severe flooding in Guwahati to water from neighboring Meghalaya, citing the red hue of the floodwater as evidence. The city experienced unprecedented rainfall on August 5, with 136 mm of rain recorded in just one and a half hours, overwhelming the drainage system.Singhal stated, “This is not Guwahati’s water; it is Meghalaya’s water. Guwahati’s water is black, Meghalaya’s is red!” He pointed out that the red color of the floodwater is due to the red soil from Meghalaya.
Source:
Assam: (A dry land suddenly flooded, the resident of Ranjita Bania a member of NEIW in Borhat shows the unpredictability rate. The Guwahati is overwhelmed with urban flooding put the policymakers to review the urban infrastructure. In this month Assam Introduce Bill on Preservation Of Urban Water Bodies)
Urban Flooding in Guwahati:
In recent days, Guwahati has experienced severe urban flooding, significantly impacting daily life and infrastructure. A brief but intense rainstorm led to widespread waterlogging across various parts of the city, exacerbating existing flood conditions.
In August, a sudden hour-long rainstorm inundated significant areas of Guwahati, transforming city roads into virtual rivers. Major areas affected include Chandmari, Maniram Dewan Road, Maligaon, Hatigaon, Beltola, Lachit Nagar, and GS Road. Low-lying regions such as Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar, already prone to severe inundation, experienced heightened flooding.
The torrential rain caused severe waterlogging, leading to extensive traffic jams. Vehicles, including ambulances, were stranded for hours in many parts of the city, including Sixmile, Chandmari, and GS Road.
Floodwaters entered homes in several areas, damaging property and creating unhygienic conditions. Overflowing sewage further compounded the issue, affecting household cleanliness and safety.
Key infrastructure such as roads, drains, and bridges has been severely impacted. An hour of rain created a sea-like situation on city roads, highlighting issues with storm water management.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted field inspections in affected areas. The Chief Minister directed the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to expedite drainage improvements and mandated the construction of a guard wall to prevent future inundation.
The rapid onset of flooding and the resulting disruption of normal life have led to significant public dissatisfaction, with many residents expressing frustration over the city's flood management measures through social media.
The Central Water Commission reported that the Brahmaputra River, while flowing above the danger mark, is showing a falling trend in Guwahati. However, the flooding has highlighted the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to better manage heavy rainfall and prevent future flooding.
The recent flooding in Guwahati underscores the critical need for enhanced urban flood management strategies. Immediate repairs and long-term infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate the impact of future rainstorms and safeguard the city’s residents.
Sources:
The state government is set to introduce the Assam Urban Area Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2024, in the forthcoming Assembly session beginning on August 22.
Arunachal Pradesh: (Arunachal Pradesh is always been a place of controversy for hydropower building. In this month the issues of glacial lake survey, the effort to high altitude wetland conservation, and the virtual inauguration of aqua park by PM Modi are in news headline)
Arunachal govt inks agreement for high altitude wetlands conservation
The Arunachal Pradesh government signed an agreement with an NGO for the conservation of high-altitude wetlands in the state, officials said on Wednesday.
The MoU between the State Wetland Authority of Arunachal Pradesh and the Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) was inked in New Delhi, they said.
Source:
A major water crisis is reportedly looming over Naharlagun and Nirjuli township areas as the Public Health Engineering and Water Supply department begins reconstructing the suspension bridge for the DI 300 mm water supply line over the Nyorch stream on August 23.
In an official communiqué, the executive engineer (EE) of the PHED & WS Naharlagun Division informed that the bridge partially collapsed on August 2, 2024, as villagers and other residents used it for commuting to their fields and for daily activities. The department further noted that the bridge reconstruction may take 15 days or longer, during which the drinking water supply would be affected.
Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/21/water-supply-disruption-in-icr/
In a significant national initiative to mitigate the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched an extensive survey of glacial lakes in the Eastern Himalayas. The survey focuses on Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, two crucial regions along the border with China, to map glacial lakes and assess the feasibility of early warning systems and other mitigation measures.
Expert teams are currently conducting a comprehensive survey and study of six high-risk glacial lakes located in the Tawang and Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh. This state, which shares a 1,080 km-long border with China, has recently experienced significant infrastructure damage due to glacial lake outbursts. Notably, more than five bridges have been washed away by an outburst from Sangnga Nehgu Lake in Tawang district. This ongoing survey is the first of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to address these critical issues.
End of the August 2024 update…
North East India Water Talk Water News Collectives (August 2024)
We are Water, and we keep an eye on water!
Compiled by: K. K. Chatradhara, Thomas Malsom, Bhaskar Jyoti Borah.
This newsletter is a monthly publication of the North East India Water Talks (NEIWT). We cover all aspects of water, including reports, paper clips, research papers, incidents, and activities done by different actors, such as government institutions, non-governmental organizations, etc.
What is published here is not the position of NEIWT.
Each month's first day of news will feature the latest happenings from the previous month.
Published: 2nd Sept 2024
Water news update from northeast india August 2024 NEIWT.pdfAll rights reserved NEIWT 2023
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