NGO sounds alarm over soil erosion in East Siang, urges government intervention

The Siang Ecosystem Environment and Animal Nurturing Group (SEEANG) has raised urgent concerns over severe soil erosion affecting eight villages in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district. The NGO, focused on flood-impacted areas of Mebo Sub-Division, is calling for immediate government action to prevent further devastation. Led by President Miloram Modi and General Secretary Otil Lego, SEEANG conducted a field inspection on Wednesday, traveling via rubber boat along the Siang River. Their assessment highlighted critical zones in Sigar, Ralling, Borguli, Seram, and Namsing villages that urgently require flood control measures.

The inspection uncovered extensive damage to agricultural and horticultural land, with the villages of Ralling and Motum suffering significant losses. In Borguli, Seram, and Namsing, roads and power infrastructure have been heavily damaged due to flooding. Modi reported that the Siang River has claimed “hundreds of hectares” of land over the past few years. SEEANG plans to submit a formal appeal to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and local MLA Oken Tayeng, urging the swift construction of flood control bunds to protect the vulnerable areas.

Lego cautioned against repeating past mistakes, referencing a failed ₹35 crore flood control project in Sigar village that worsened conditions downstream. SEEANG is advocating for a permanent flood control-cum-road project from Mer to Sigar village, extending to the Raneghat Bridge, while also calling for immediate protective measures at critical points.

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