Government Initiates Major Erosion Control Project for Majuli Island
Erosion Control Efforts on Majuli Island
New Delhi, July 1: On Thursday, the government announced that the Brahmaputra Board has commenced a significant project aimed at combating erosion in critical areas of Majuli island, with an estimated budget of Rs 56.34 crore.
The initiative, titled Protection of Majuli Island from Flood and Erosion of River Brahmaputra Phase-V, focuses on implementing bank protection strategies using porcupines at various vulnerable sites throughout Majuli. This information was shared by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in response to a question posed by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi in the Lok Sabha.
Choudhary further elaborated that the Brahmaputra Board, in partnership with INTACH, is conducting an extensive study to develop a policy for riverine islands in the Brahmaputra region, which encompasses over 30 islands, with Majuli receiving particular emphasis. The approach aims to include community participation for sustainable management of these erosion-prone areas.
According to a study by the Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Pune, ongoing erosion has been noted near the confluence of the Subansiri and Brahmaputra rivers from 1986 to 2023, especially in the Major Chapori NC area, which stretches from Katoni Gaon Na Satra to Banpurai.
“Additionally, significant sediment deposition was recorded between Ratanpur Miri Gaon and Kathal Khowa Pam, while the Kamala Bari region initially experienced erosion but saw deposition from 2018 to 2023,” he stated.
During the period of 2021-2022, a notable sediment deposition of around 27.47 sq km was identified near Kamala Bari. Overall, approximately 75 sq km of Majuli island has faced erosion, while about 58 sq km has experienced sediment deposition along the Brahmaputra banks within Majuli, Choudhary reported.
The study, commissioned by the Brahmaputra Board to CWPRS, utilized satellite imagery spanning from 1986 to 2023 to assess river channel dynamics, significant shifts in bank line positions, and patterns of erosion and deposition.