Check Dam Constructed at Bruha Para in Geolchhara Village to Address Water Scarcity and Boost Livelihoods

A large water reservoir, in the form of a check dam, has been constructed on the hillside at Bruha Para area under Geolchhara village, nestled in the foothills of the Atharo Mura hills, with financial assistance from the Forest Department. The project was implemented during the 2024–25 financial year as part of the department’s developmental initiatives.

The area primarily consists of Reang refugees who migrated from Mizoram. At present, the government has arranged rehabilitation for around 440 families in this locality. Since their resettlement, various developmental works have been undertaken in the area to improve living conditions.

The check dam has been constructed under the Ambassa Range of the Forest Department. According to Forest Department official Haradhan Pal, the dam has been built across nearly three kani of land. The primary objective of the project is to partially resolve the water scarcity in the area and to make the local residents self-reliant through fish farming and water resource management. He added that the government plans to construct more such check dams in the future to support regional development.

Local residents have expressed satisfaction with the benefits of the dam, stating that it has significantly improved water availability. However, they also pointed out certain issues, particularly the lack of proper access roads and stairways to reach the dam. Despite these challenges, residents remain hopeful that the government will address these problems in the coming days.

Overall, the construction of the check dam has brought noticeable benefits to the community, contributing to improved water security and livelihood opportunities in this remote hill region.

By Choba Tripura