Assam Government Explores Land Reclamation Along Brahmaputra River

Initiative to Reclaim Land Affected by Erosion

Guwahati, Nov 10: Over the years, the Brahmaputra River has caused significant land loss in Assam due to erosion.

Currently, the state government is investigating the possibility of reclaiming newly formed land as the river shifts its course and deposits soil in certain areas.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the government is pinpointing these land parcels along the Brahmaputra for a proposed reclamation initiative.

“The Brahmaputra has eroded a considerable amount of land in Assam, diminishing the state's land area. However, over a span of 25 to 50 years, the river alters its path and, in some regions, returns land to us,” Sarma stated during his visit to the Koyatol project site, which is part of an integrated effort for riverbank protection, flood mitigation, and sustainable reclamation in Kamrup (R).

He highlighted the land that has emerged near Bogibeel towards Dhemaji as an example, noting that approximately 2,000 to 2,500 bighas of land have appeared along the stretch from the Hajo-Laheswari temple to Srihati.

Mayong has also experienced similar land deposition, he added.

“Assam loses around 8,000 hectares of land annually due to riverbank erosion, while siltation creates new land in other areas. Our approach consists of two components: reinforcing embankments to safeguard vulnerable regions from erosion and developing newly formed land for agricultural and tourism purposes,” he shared on social media, mentioning his visits to two sites to evaluate progress and plans.

The government is considering enlisting scientists to analyze the soil and other characteristics of these newly formed land parcels to determine their suitability for agriculture or habitation.

“We will engage scientists to examine soil samples and other features of these lands. Based on their assessments, we will decide if they can be utilized for agriculture or living spaces. This will be part of the land reclamation project we are planning,” Sarma explained.

Deputy commissioners throughout Assam have been assigned the task of identifying such land parcels along the Brahmaputra's path, as per the chief minister's directives.

However, Sarma emphasized that any reclamation efforts must be grounded in a thorough understanding of the river's changing course, flow patterns, and other hydrological factors.

“We cannot simply choose a piece of land and begin reclamation. A comprehensive study of the Brahmaputra's course, its flow, and related aspects is essential before making any decisions,” he remarked.

The proposed project is still in its early stages, with no final decisions made regarding its execution.

Sarma indicated that the government would need to evaluate the necessity for embankments and other protective structures, estimating potential costs between Rs 400-500 crore.

If the project advances, the state government will seek financial support from the Centre, as it cannot fully fund the initiative independently.

“Once we complete the identification process and evaluate the requirements, we will present the proposal to the Government of India. The state lacks sufficient funds to undertake such a large-scale project alone. If the Centre agrees to provide the necessary assistance, we will move forward,” Sarma stated.

This initiative aims to determine whether land periodically deposited by the Brahmaputra can be stabilized and utilized while considering the river's dynamic course and hydrological behavior.