Assam: Rain cuts in Ulfa dyke trigger pre-monsoon flood fears in Lakhimpur

Heavy pre-monsoon rainfall has caused multiple breaches, locally known as “rain cuts”, in the Ulfa dyke at Panigaon in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, raising fresh concerns of flooding in the region.

The 3.7-km-long agri-bund embankment—stretching from Jorkhat-Boniyagaon to Pub-Aamtola Nepaligaon under Pachim Telahi Gaon Panchayat—is popularly known as the Ulfa dyke. It was originally constructed in 1989 by members of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) with community participation.

According to reports, continuous rainfall over recent weeks has led to the formation of more than 20 rain cuts along the embankment, significantly weakening its structure ahead of the monsoon season.

The dyke had already suffered major damage last year after floodwaters from the Ranganadi river inundated the area following water discharge from the NEEPCO-operated Panyor Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The breach affected at least 14 revenue villages, triggering widespread flooding.

Although temporary repairs were carried out in June 2025 using geo tubes and geo bags after a visit by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, locals say the current condition of the embankment remains fragile and vulnerable.

Residents of around 14 flood-prone villages in the Aamtola-Panigaon belt have expressed deep concern over the situation, especially with the monsoon approaching. They have urged authorities to undertake urgent and long-term strengthening measures to prevent a repeat of annual flooding.

Officials are reportedly monitoring the situation, but the growing number of rain cuts has heightened fears of a possible breach if heavy rainfall continues in the coming weeks.