DAPORIJO, 22 Jul: The Upper Subansiri district administration has initiated airlifting of essential commodities to remote flood-affected Nilling, Lingdam and Upper Giba circles, ensuring uninterrupted supply to communities that remain cut off due to extensive road and bridge damage caused by recent monsoon rains.

Following heavy rainfall, roads connecting Nilling circle and Upper Giba circle were severely damaged due to breaches along the Nyo river and the Jao river, while the bridge over the Jao river was washed away, leaving 22 villages of Upper Giba completely disconnected from the district headquarters. In addition, 20 villages in Nilling circle remain cut off due to the disruption of road connectivity.

The road connectivity to Lingdam and Nilling was also disrupted, making transportation of essential commodities by road impossible.

Considering the hardship faced by the affected population, the district administration, led by the deputy commissioner, immediately initiated the process for requisitioning helicopter services. The proposal received the support of local MLA Taniya Soki, and requisitions were submitted to the Directorate of Civil Aviation for airlifting food grains, medicines and other essential supplies.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation subsequently approved the requisition and issued a revised helicopter sortie schedule for 22 and 23 July. The sorties are transporting rice and other essential commodities from Daporijo to Lingdam and Nilling, ensuring that relief reaches the affected population without delay. (DIPRO)