The recent flooding of the Siang River has caused severe damage to agricultural lands in Mer village, East Siang District, affecting the livelihoods of local farmers. The floodwaters have submerged WRC paddy fields belonging to fifty families and completely eroded away the lands of five other families. The river’s shift towards the east has exacerbated the damage, impacting Lower Mebo villages, including Mer, Namsing, and Borguli (New). Reports indicate that over 200 hectares of wetland rice cultivation are now underwater due to the flood.
Following reports from the village Gaon Burah and village Secretary, a team of officials led by Extra Assistant Commissioner Toni Mitkong, Horticulture Development Officer Bini Tagom, Agriculture Development Officer Aido Moyong, Range Forest Officer Domek Koyu, and HFA Vijay Ratan, along with Monggu Banggo Zila Parishad Member Gumin Tayeng, visited the affected areas to assess the damage. The team conducted a thorough inspection of the submerged fields, utilizing both on-foot inspections and country boats to navigate the deep floodwaters. Gumin Tayeng, Monggu Banggo ZPM, expressed concern over the significant damage, noting that the extensive flooding has resulted in a critical shortage of rice for the local community.
Tayeng criticized the state government for failing to provide relief or compensation for similar damages reported last year in the nearby Namsing village. Mer Village Gaon Burah Binod Perme echoed Tayeng’s concerns, urging both the state government and local MLA Oken Tayeng to expedite relief efforts and allocate funds for flood control measures along the Siang River to prevent future damage.
