In view of certain factually incorrect information circulating in sections of the media and social media, which has created confusion among the public, particularly in Diphupar A and Seithekhiema areas of Chumoukedima District, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, Government of Nagaland, considers it necessary to place the facts on record.
The NSDMA has executed the following works sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme, strictly within the approved scope and objectives of the projects:
Restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure from K Khel, Diphupar A, Chumoukedima:
The sanctioned work has been completed from Diphupar A Gate up to K Khel, in accordance with the approved scope and site requirements.
Flash flood mitigation work at Diphupar K Khel connecting Airport Road, Chumoukedima:
The sanctioned flash flood mitigation work has been completed, providing the intended mitigation measures and improving the resilience of the affected road connectivity against recurring flash floods.
Flash flood mitigation work from Naga United Village, Ruve Khel to Seithekhiema Basa, Chümoukedima:
The sanctioned work has also been completed in accordance with the approved scope, with the objective of mitigating flash-flood impacts and protecting vulnerable road infrastructure at Ruve Khel.
It is categorically clarified that the above projects were sanctioned for restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure and flash flood mitigation, particularly to protect and restore vulnerable village road infrastructure and strengthen community resilience against recurring disaster risks.
These works were not sanctioned as river erosion mitigation projects. Therefore, reports or statements suggesting that the sanctioned SASCI works were meant for comprehensive river erosion protection are incorrect and do not reflect the approved scope of the projects.
It is further clarified that the works were executed departmentally by NSDMA and were not awarded as contracts to any private firm or contractor. The interventions were undertaken in accordance with the approved departmental implementation mechanism and based on technical assessments, site conditions and the disaster risk mitigation requirements of the affected communities.
River Erosion Mitigation Being Pursued Separately.
The NSDMA is fully conscious of the river erosion concerns affecting vulnerable areas in and around Chumoukedima. However, comprehensive river erosion mitigation requires a separate and technically appropriate intervention and does not fall within the scope of the present SASCI-sanctioned works.
Accordingly, river erosion mitigation measures have been proposed separately under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and the proposal is presently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Subject to its approval and sanction, appropriate river erosion mitigation interventions will be undertaken in the identified vulnerable areas.
The NSDMA remains committed to transparency, accountability and the safety and welfare of the people. The Authority therefore appeals to all concerned, including media organisations and social media users, to verify facts and the sanctioned scope of works before publishing or circulating information that may create misunderstanding or apprehension among the public.
The NSDMA values constructive public engagement and appreciates the important role of the media and the community in matters of public interest.
Issued in public interest by: Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, Government of Nagaland
(DIPR)