Reported by Farhana Ahmed
North Lakhimpur: Heavy rainfall has led to the formation of multiple rain cuts in the Ulfa dyke in the Panigaon region of Assam’s Lakhimpur district, raising concerns of flooding in the area during the pre-monsoon period.
The 3.7 km-long agri-bund dyke, located from Jorkhat-Boniyagaon to Pub-Aamtola Nepaligaon under Pachim Telahi Gaon Panchayat, is locally known as the Ulfa dyke. It was built in 1989 by members of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) with public involvement.
The embankment was breached last year when floodwater from the Ranganadi river was released following water discharge from North East Electrical Power Corporation’s (NEEPCO) 405 MW Panyor Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh’s Yazali.
The breach caused flooding in 14 revenue villages in the area.
Repair work was carried out in early June 2025 after a visit by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Temporary repair measures were taken first, followed by plans for permanent restoration after the monsoon.
The Water Resources Department used geo tubes and geo bags to repair the damaged section within 15 days.
However, the embankment has developed several rain cuts in recent months. Officials and locals say more than 20 cuts have formed, increasing the risk of damage during the upcoming monsoon.
Villagers in 14 flood-prone villages of Aamtola in Lakhimpur district say they are concerned due to ongoing rainfall and the condition of the embankment. They have urged authorities to take steps for long-term strengthening of the structure to reduce the risk of annual flooding.