ZPM of Nilling Circle, Sumila Ekke Nilling, accompanied by PRI leaders, including Gram Panchayat Chairpersons, Gram Panchayat Members, former ZPM Takam Rikung, and senior members of the circle, visited the flood-affected Nio Koro (Nallah) to assess the damage caused by the devastating cloudburst that struck the area on May 21.
During the inspection, the panchayat leaders stated that the cloudburst triggered a massive flash flood in Nio Koro, washing away the cement concrete (CC) bridge, destroying horticulture and agricultural fields, damaging fish ponds, and killing several domestic animals.
The disaster also disrupted connectivity, leaving more than 3,500 people from at least 10 villages severely affected and cut off from essential services and modern amenities.
Former ZPM and senior citizen Takam Rikung expressed concern over what he described as the government’s delayed response. He said that despite nearly three months having passed since the disaster, no immediate relief or restoration measures had reached the affected villagers.
He further stated that while district administrations and elected representatives in many other districts had visited flood-hit areas to assess damage and reassure affected residents, no such visit had been made to Nio Koro.
According to him, the lack of official attention has left the people disappointed and disheartened. He questioned why the affected area had not received adequate government attention despite the scale of the devastation.
Nilling said the destruction of the bridge has caused immense hardship for villagers, who are struggling to transport essential commodities across the flooded stream.
She informed that local residents have constructed a temporary bamboo and wooden footbridge to carry food and other necessities by head load, but the arrangement remains unsafe and inadequate.
She added that the matter has already been brought to the notice of the local MLA and the state government, and the people are awaiting prompt intervention, restoration of connectivity, and necessary relief measures.
Meanwhile, villagers expressed disappointment over the delay in government action and appealed to the authorities to immediately restore the washed-away bridge, provide compensation to affected families, and take up long-term flood mitigation measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people of Nilling Circle.
