It was categorically stated that the projects were not sanctioned as river erosion mitigation projects. “Therefore, reports or statements suggesting that the sanctioned SASCI works were meant for comprehensive river erosion protection are incorrect and do not reflect the approved scope of the projects,” the release emphasised. River erosion proposal under MHA considerationAddressing the larger concern of riverbank degradation, the NSDMA acknowledged that it is fully conscious of the river erosion issues affecting vulnerable areas in and around Chümoukedima. “Accordingly, river erosion mitigation measures have been proposed separately under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and the proposal is presently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Subject to its approval and sanction, appropriate river erosion mitigation interventions will be undertaken in the identified vulnerable areas,” the Authority stated.