Excavation of river beds for collecting materials such as sand gravel and boulders for construction purposes is causing a threat to livelihood of the people especially those living near the river stated N. Jacob Zhimomi, parliamentary secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control when he visited the collapsed suspension bridge between Seitheke Basa and Sodzulhou villages on Tuesday morning.
Stating that rampant excavation of the river beds have badly affected the natural river systems and as a result of which rivers were rapidly changing course and thereby causing massive soil erosion, he reiterated that river bed excavation should be regulated so as to avoid further threat to the people. In this connection, he also directed deputy commissioner Dimapur to enforce strict ban on river bed excavation. He also urged the villages located close to the rivers not to lease out river beds for excavation.
Interacting with the villagers of Seitheke Basa after inspecting the collapsed bridge, parliamentary secretary expressed concern for the villagers and provided a sum of Rs. One lakh as relief fund towards restoration of suspension bridge. Earlier, he had also made a contribution of Rs. One lakh fifty thousand towards the renovation of the said suspension bridge.
As appealed by the villagers he assured to take up the matter during November-December to erect river embankments along the affected areas. He also disclosed that the concerned department was trying it’s best to provide relief to adversely affected villages.
He was accompanied by departmental engineer who had executed works in Seitheke Basa area.
It may be mentioned that the suspension bridge collapsed on the night of August 12 after the bank of which the main structure of the bridge stood was swept away by strong current of the river.