Silchar, Assam: In a major move to combat urban flooding and enhance disaster preparedness, the Cachar District Administration has issued a strict, time-bound directive for the removal of all illegal constructions obstructing Rangirkhal, the primary stormwater channel for Silchar town.
The order, issued by District Commissioner and DDMA Chairperson Mridul Yadav, IAS, comes after a technical assessment by the Water Resources Division identified critical bottlenecks. These unauthorized structures—ranging from concrete bridges to temporary bamboo crossings—have severely hindered desiltation efforts and the natural flow of water, leading to chronic waterlogging in residential and commercial hubs.
Key Directives and Deadlines
- 10-Day Ultimatum: Residents, shop owners, and institutions must remove any temporary or permanent structures built over Rangirkhal within 10 days.
- Compulsory Demolition: Failure to comply will result in administration-led demolition. The cost of such operations and any associated risks will be recovered from the defaulters.
- Legal Action: The District Commissioner has invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, giving the order significant legal weight to ensure public safety ahead of the monsoon season.
- Critical Stretch: The focus is currently on the stretch from Mahisabeel Point to Sunlit Hospital, a zone identified as high-risk for artificial flooding.
Long-term Flood Mitigation Strategy
Once the encroachments are cleared, the Water Resources Department, in collaboration with the Silchar Municipal Corporation, will begin a comprehensive desiltation project. The goal is to restore the “natural pulse” of the drainage system to handle heavy rainfall without inundating low-lying areas.
Furthermore, the administration has prohibited any future construction over natural drainage channels without explicit prior approval, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward waterway encroachment.
Rangirkhal Clearance at a Glance
- Primary Objective: Urban flood management and disaster risk reduction.
- Authority Involved: Cachar District Administration & DDMA.
- Compliance Window: 10 days from the date of issuance (Dec 17, 2025).
- Prohibited Zone: Rangirkhal waterway and its banks.
- Action for Defaulters: Forced demolition with costs borne by the owner.
