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Time of India
10-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sivasagar plans facelift for British-era Dikhow bridge
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: Sivasagar DC Ayush Garg conducted an inspection of the ongoing beautification initiatives for the iconic British-era Dikhow bridge on Saturday, as part of the district administration's comprehensive efforts to preserve and enhance Sivasagar's historical monuments. The 90-year-old vertical lift bridge, constructed in 1935 by Braithwaite and Co (India) Ltd of Calcutta (Kolkata), represents one of Assam's most significant pieces of colonial-era infrastructure. The steel structure spans 159 metres across the Dikhow river on Assam Trunk Road, measuring 4.88 metres in width. Its most distinctive feature was originally a 31-metre mid-span that could be lifted vertically to allow ships to pass through — a mechanism that proved crucial for trade routes during the British period. The sophisticated lifting mechanism allowed ships to pass through, facilitating vital trade routes between Nazira town and Kolkata via the Dikhow and the Brahmaputra. Tea, machinery and other products were regularly transported through this waterway during the East India Company era, making the bridge a lifeline for regional commerce. During the inspection, DC Garg emphasised the importance of scientifically appropriate conservation measures that respect the bridge's historical significance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ask A Pro: "I'm 70 with $1.4M in IRAs. Should I convert $120K/Year to a Roth?" SmartAsset Undo "We need to understand the historical importance of this bridge and take measures that not only preserve its heritage value but also enhance its appeal as a tourist destination," Garg said during the site visit. Additional DC Geetalee Dowarah, along with other departmental officers and staff, accompanied the DC during the assessment. The team evaluated various aspects of the beautification project, focusing on measures that would maintain the structural integrity, while improving aesthetic appeal. "The lifting mechanism was once the bridge's most distinctive feature, showcasing the sophisticated infrastructure planning of the colonial era. While the mechanism is no longer functional, we're exploring ways to highlight this unique engineering marvel in our conservation efforts," said a PWD official present during the inspection. Currently, the bridge serves limited traffic, having been restricted to pedestrians and two-wheelers after the state govt constructed a parallel bridge for four-wheeler traffic. Despite reduced vehicular usage, the structure has gained popularity as a photography destination among tourists visiting Sivasagar, with many drawn to its historical significance and architectural uniqueness. The conservation initiative for the Dikhow bridge forms part of a comprehensive beautification programme launched by the district administration. Recently there have seen similar enhancement efforts for other historical monuments throughout Sivasagar, including the famous Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Shiva Dol, and Sivasagar Lake. "Our goal is to create a cohesive heritage tourism circuit that showcases the glory and pride of historic Sivasagar district. Each monument tells a unique story of our past, and proper preservation ensures these stories continue for future generations," DC Garg said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Record-breaking rainfall inundates Sivasagar town
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: A heavy spell of overnight rainfall brought life to a standstill in Sivasagar town on Monday, submerging all 14 municipal wards under knee-deep water and breaking the record of highest rainfall in a single day. According to district officials, the town recorded a staggering 146.5 mm of rainfall in 24 hours — the highest single-day precipitation ever recorded in Sivasagar, surpassing the previous record of 142.5 mm set on Apr 13, 2021. The deluge transformed streets into rivers, forcing residents to wade through knee-deep water as they navigated their submerged neighbourhoods. The relentless downpour triggered severe waterlogging, with residents claiming they had not seen such flooding in decades. Key areas like Melachakar, Phukan Nagar, Muktinath Chariali, BG Road, Amolapatty, HCB Road, ONGC Colony, Babupatty, Boarding Road, GNG Path, Dolmukh Chariali, Ganapatty, and Na Ali were among the worst affected. Even the parks and walkways surrounding the historic Rang Ghar, a symbol of Assam's Ahom-era heritage, was waterlogged. Shops, schools, homes, and major roads remained inundated, disrupting life. Local businessman Bhaskar Gogoi from Phukan Nagar said, "Sivasagar town has not witnessed such waterlogging in the last several years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo I have lived here for 30 years, but I've never seen water rise so quickly. Within hours, our ground floors were flooded, and people were struggling to move around." Sivasagar DC Ayush Garg said multiple agencies have been mobilised to address the crisis. "The District Disaster Management Authority, water resources department, Public Works Department, municipal board, civil defence, and district administration are working together to drain the accumulated water from the town. We have deployed pumps in critical zones and are cleaning clogged drains to restore normalcy as soon as possible," Garg added. The administration also focused on the Rang Ghar precinct, where water accumulation threatened the heritage site. Municipal workers were seen clearing debris from drains to facilitate faster water drainage. "This is an unprecedented situation, and our teams are working round the clock to clear the waterlogged areas. This kind of rainfall in such a short duration can overwhelm any drainage system. Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents while clearing the waterlogged areas as quickly as possible," chairperson of Sivasagar Municipal Board, Mrinali Konwar said. Residents expressed frustration with the recurring waterlogging issues, calling for long-term solutions. "Every monsoon we face the same problem, but this time it's unprecedented. The authorities need to upgrade the drainage infrastructure instead of temporarily fixing it," said Pranjal Lahon, a school teacher said.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
ONGC prepares ‘Junk Shot' op as Sivasagar gas blowout enters 3rd day
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: Preparatory work is underway for a specialised 'Junk Shot' operation to control an uncontrolled gas leak at ONGC's Rig No RDS-147 in Sivasagar district, as the high-pressure emission enters its third consecutive day with no immediate solution in sight. The blowout occurred on June 12 in the Bhatiapar area of Sivasagar district at 11.45am, triggering a high-pressure emission of natural gas. "Efforts were made on the third day to implement a special pumping arrangement, but the gas leak continues. Currently, preparatory work is underway for a special management operation called the 'Junk Shot' operation to plug the high powered gas leak," said Sivasagar district commissioner Ayush Garg on Saturday. The Junk Shot technique involves pumping various materials such as golf balls, shredded tires, or rubber pieces into the well to create a blockage and stop or significantly reduce the gas flow. This emergency well control method, also known as a 'bridging agent' or 'top kill', represents a critical intervention when conventional methods fail to contain a blowout. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
70 families evacuated following massive gas blowout at ONGC's rig in Sivasagar
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: A massive explosion followed by an uncontrolled gas leak at a rig under the Rudrasagar oilfield of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has triggered large-scale evacuation, with 70 families relocated to a relief camp as authorities struggle to contain the crisis even 24 hours after the incident. The blowout, which occurred on Thursday in the Bhatiapar area of Sivasagar district at around 11.45 am, led to a high-pressure emission of natural gas, sending panic through nearby villages. The deafening roar of the escaping gas could reportedly be heard as far as 3 to 4 kilometres away, forcing residents of Bari Chuk and surrounding areas to flee for safety. Sivasagar district commissioner Ayush Garg on Friday confirmed that the displaced families have been shifted to a relief camp at Bongaon. "Till now, 70 families have been relocated to a relief camp set up at Bongaon. Food, drinking water, and medical facilities have been arranged at the camp. A police team has been deployed for security, and an ambulance with a medical team is stationed at the site. We are coordinating with ONGC, SDRF, NDRF, and local emergency services to bring the situation under control. The public is urged to avoid the area and follow official advisories," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 29만원 이벤트 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo The rig, operated by SK Petrochemicals under ONGC, suffered a blowout during routine operations, leading to the uncontrolled release of gas. ONGC officials stated that emergency protocols were activated promptly, but the high-pressure leak has proven difficult to contain. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been pressed into action, alongside ONGC's technical teams, to control the gas leak. Local residents described scenes of chaos as the gas leak created an atmosphere of fear. "We heard a loud explosion-like sound, and then the hissing of gas. Many people started running away, fearing a bigger disaster," said Arabinda Saikia, a resident of Bari Chuk. The Rudrasagar oilfield, where the incident occurred, is part of ONGC's extensive operations in Assam, a state crucial to India's domestic oil and gas production. "The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent any escalation. Our experts are working to cap the well and prevent any potential ignition. There have been no reported casualties. Our priority is to stop the gas flow and ensure public safety," a senior ONGC official said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
