The Siang Flood Warriors (SFW), a community-driven initiative that led nearly six weeks of voluntary flood control efforts in Borguli and Old Borguli villages earlier this year, celebrated their “Success Day” on Wednesday at Mebo. The event marked the remarkable achievements of local residents in safeguarding their homes and agricultural lands from the annual threat of the Siang River.
The celebration was attended by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, ADC Mebo Nancy Yirang, ECMM Mission Manager and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Olen Megu Damin, along with other dignitaries. Hosted at the residence of SFW founder and commander Gekong Pertin and his wife Anne Badu Pertin, the ceremony also involved community members who had directly contributed to the flood control works.
During May and June, more than 148 volunteers, supported by funds totaling ₹21.36 lakh—including ₹5.83 lakh from Pertin himself—constructed a 70-metre boulder spur and a 50-metre guide bund in Borguli. The engineering department estimated the value of the completed works at nearly ₹5 crore, highlighting the impact of voluntary labour and community participation in protecting vital WRC field areas from erosion.
Pertin, reflecting on the initiative, said, “It was the collective effort of villagers who worked tirelessly to protect their homes and livelihoods.” As part of the celebration, walking sticks and torches were distributed to elderly residents in a gesture of respect and gratitude.
