Chirang District Faces Erosion Crisis Amid Flood Recovery Efforts

As floodwaters recede in Assam's Chirang district, residents are grappling with a severe erosion crisis threatening their homes and farmland. Villagers in areas like Udalguri and Sohrabari are taking matters into their own hands, constructing barriers to combat erosion due to a lack of government intervention. Despite repeated promises for flood-control measures, locals express frustration over the ongoing neglect from elected officials. With education disrupted and homes at risk, the community is urging authorities to prioritize long-term solutions before the next monsoon season. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective flood management strategies in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 14:36 IST

Erosion Threatens Communities in Chirang

Residents utilize axes and bamboo to combat erosion and safeguard their homes.

Chirang, June 30: The flood situation in Assam's Chirang district has shown signs of improvement as water levels in major rivers recede. However, this has unveiled a critical issue of riverbank erosion.

In various villages within the Kajalgaon subdivision, such as Udalguri, Sohrabari, and Dawkhanagar, the retreating waters have intensified erosion along the riverbanks, endangering homes, farmland, and public infrastructure.

Udalguri is particularly affected. Although floodwaters have subsided, erosion continues to threaten the village and at least three nearby schools.

One resident shared, "We have been submerged for three days. Villages like Udalguri, Sohrabari, and Dawkhanagar were entirely flooded. Now that the water has receded, the erosion is worsening."

With minimal government response, locals have taken action themselves.

Equipped with axes and bamboo, residents have been seen cutting down trees and constructing barriers along vulnerable river sections to mitigate erosion and protect their homes.

Another local stated, "We are taking initiative to prevent further damage by erecting structures and cutting trees. We urge the authorities, our local MLA, and the Chief Minister to build permanent embankments and provide a sustainable solution to the recurring floods."

Many villagers expressed frustration, claiming that despite numerous promises over the years, no lasting flood-control measures have been implemented.

One resident lamented, "For five years, we have endured floods and erosion. Each year, we are assured that work will commence, yet nothing materializes. The government remains in power, but our issues persist. We continue to lose our homes and farmland."

Political leaders have also faced criticism from locals, who accuse elected officials of ignoring the region despite repeated requests for assistance.

Another villager remarked that residents had consistently supported their representatives, hoping for a permanent resolution to the ongoing floods and erosion, but little has changed.

"Leaders come to visit, make promises, and distribute relief supplies, but food cannot replace homes that have been lost. We need permanent embankments and effective flood-control strategies," he emphasized.

Additionally, flood-related damage has previously disrupted education in the district. The swollen Ai River destroyed a bamboo bridge connecting Dangagaon and Nepalpara, leaving over 300 students stranded and jeopardizing their half-yearly examinations.

Residents from the affected villages are calling on the government to move beyond temporary relief efforts and focus on long-term solutions such as strengthening embankments, managing rivers, and implementing erosion-control projects before the next monsoon season arrives.