Brahmaputra River Erosion Threatens Villages in Golaghat District
Severe Erosion Impacting Local Communities
Brahmaputra River bank erosion in Golaghat villages (Photo: AT)
Dergaon, June 9: The relentless erosion of the Brahmaputra River is causing significant disruption for residents in the Dakhin Ahatguri Gaon Panchayat area within the Dergaon LAC of Golaghat district.
Villages stretching from Neul Gaon to Bohikhowa are facing imminent threats of being washed away.
For an extended period, locals have urged the Water Resources Department to construct a robust embankment or a stone wall, yet no lasting solution has been implemented.
Reports indicate that the erosion has escalated dramatically, particularly since 2009, becoming a severe crisis in the region.
The powerful currents of the Brahmaputra are eroding approximately 50 meters of land daily, affecting over a hundred villages, including Bhekeli, Suvidha Chapari, Bhangonmari, Milanpur, and Vijaypur, in recent years.
Countless acres of farmland and the homes of numerous families have been submerged, leaving nearly a hundred families homeless and forcing them into a transient lifestyle.
There is growing alarm regarding the alarming rate of soil erosion in villages such as Sadar, Chirishatika, Baghedhara, Chaidhya Ghoriya, Natun Chapori, Koroiguri, Bahir Raurmora, Naromari, Ghuriyagaon, Namati, Purani Mati, Balichapori, Shagunpara, Abani, and Dalijaliya.
Residents have expressed frustration that government responses have only involved temporary fixes.
Previous efforts to combat erosion, such as erecting porcupines funded by the Water Resources Department, have proven ineffective.
Community members have voiced their concerns that each year, floodwaters wreak havoc, yet no elected officials have taken substantial action to address this pressing issue. This negligence has led to significant discontent among the villagers.
Local activists have cautioned that without the timely construction of a scientifically designed permanent embankment from Neul Gaon to Bohikhowa, many villages could soon be lost to the river.
To protect the future of thousands, residents of Dakhin Aahatguri are calling on the government and authorities to implement decisive and lasting measures without delay.
By Dr Sanjoy Kr Hazarika