Continuous rainfall across the state has forced the administration to take drastic steps as landslides have damaged roads and bridges, while several homes have either been washed away or are on the verge of collapse.

Continuous rainfall triggered a growing landslide threat behind Siddhartha Hall in the ICR. The ICR district administration and the DDMA initiated emergency safety and mitigation measures. Notices were issued directing residents near Siddhartha Hall to vacate vulnerable areas, while mitigation measures included trimming and removal of vulnerable trees and placing protective tarpaulin and geo-sheets over erosion-affected slopes. Relief camps were identified at Naharlagun and Banderdewa. The DDMA also warned that non-compliance with evacuation directives may invite legal action.

Meanwhile, the East Siang deputy commissioner issued a travel advisory against using the Pasighat-Pangin road due to severe landslides and continuous rock falls. The Catchment 2+145 km area in Billong (Kalamati) along NH-13 was severely affected after two days of incessant rainfall. Authorities warned of possible loss of life and property for commuters using the affected route.

Flash floods in Upper Subansiri district washed away crucial bridges, damaged houses, and disrupted connectivity.

The story repeats itself every year as the state is thrown into chaos because of rain-related destruction. Much of this is linked to indiscriminate earth cutting, especially along roads and particularly in Itanagar, where earth cutting has become a daily affair, threatening lives and properties. The state must make development safer for all by adopting a more scientific approach instead of allowing greed and administrative failure to prevail.