Officials in the water resources department blame activities in Arunachal Pradesh for the annual disaster in Lakhimpur and the neighbouring district of Dhemaji. “Massive earthwork in Arunachal Pradesh has changed the character of the rivers that come down and flow through Lakhimpur. The very heavy sediment load has caused the river-beds to rise and also change course,” said an official. Most rivers here have changed course in the past decade. Massive deforestation in Arunachal Pradesh has also contributed to the devastation, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner Narlikar admitted that not all the breaches caused last year have been plugged. He said the authorities have requisitioned the services of the National Disaster Response Force which has earmarked six machine boats for Lakhimpur.