Concerns Raised Over Erosion Control Efforts in Tinsukia District

Erosion Control Works Under Scrutiny

Doomdooma, Feb 3: Recent criticisms have emerged regarding the erosion-control initiatives undertaken by the water resources department in the Hatighuli region of Saikhowa, Tinsukia district. Allegations of inadequate efforts and poor execution have raised concerns among local stakeholders.

A delegation from the Dibrugarh-Tinsukia District Flood and Erosion Resistance Struggle Forum, led by president Binod Kedia, conducted an inspection on Sunday of several at-risk areas along the Brahmaputra River. They expressed significant dissatisfaction with the current state of the erosion-control projects.

The Forum contended that the water resources department has not adhered to expert recommendations regarding the management of the river's flow and has delayed progress, despite the river being at its lowest level, which is ideal for implementing erosion-control strategies.

Experts have consistently advocated for the installation of geo-tube spurs to redirect the river's current and safeguard the riverbanks. However, the state government and the water resources department have yet to take any action on this front.

This lack of action has reportedly intensified erosion, especially near Kenopus, where it has reached critical levels, creating a significant cavity along the riverbank. The absence of preventive measures in this crucial area has caused distress among local inhabitants.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the installation of porcupine screens in the Naokata area. Forum members expressed astonishment upon discovering over a hundred concrete porcupine posts embedded along the eroded bank adjacent to the screen.

Suspicions of irregularities arose, with the Forum alleging that the contractor might be attempting to hide these concrete posts to misappropriate government funds by falsely reporting them as unused in official documentation.

In light of these issues, the Forum has demanded a comprehensive departmental investigation into the alleged discrepancies. They have also urged authorities to enhance geo-bag embankments with geo-tube spurs and to promptly initiate effective erosion-control measures near Kenopus to prevent further deterioration.