Severe Stress on Brahmaputra Embankment Raises Flood Concerns in Assam

Critical Situation at Bonpuroi-Jamuguri Embankment

North Lakhimpur, Aug 5: A vital section of the Brahmaputra embankment located at Bonpuroi-Jamuguri in Assam's Lakhimpur district is facing significant stress due to rising river levels and strong currents, raising alarms about a potential breach. Flooding continues to affect extensive areas in western Lakhimpur and the adjacent Dhakuakhana region.

The district administration reported that a nearly 120-meter segment of the embankment developed cracks on Tuesday night as it endured intense pressure from the swollen Brahmaputra.

In response, officials from the Water Resources Department initiated emergency reinforcement efforts, utilizing geo-bags and porcupines to stabilize the compromised section and prevent a breach.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Wednesday that he is actively monitoring the situation, having received updates from local authorities.

"I have been informed that a nearly 120-meter stretch of the embankment at Bonpuroi-Jamuguri is under severe stress due to the rising water levels and strong currents of the Brahmaputra. The Water Resources Department and district officials are promptly reinforcing the embankment with geo-bags and porcupines," Sarma shared on social media.

He also instructed officials to keep him regularly informed and urged residents of Dhalpur-Hawajan and surrounding areas in the Bihpuria and Gohpur constituencies to stay vigilant and adhere to advisories from the district administration.

This embankment is crucial for flood protection in large parts of western Lakhimpur, including regions within the Bihpuria and Gohpur Assembly constituencies.

The affected section is part of a Rs 29.08-crore project funded by the Asian Development Bank, aimed at enhancing climate resilience through integrated flood and riverbank erosion risk management, implemented by the Assam Water Resources Department.

The project incorporates anti-erosion strategies such as geo-bag launching, wire-net toe protection, and geo-fabric filters to fortify the riverbank against erosion and flooding.

Meanwhile, floodwaters continue to inundate vast areas of western Lakhimpur as rivers originating from the Arunachal Pradesh hills overflow due to persistent rainfall.

Villages including Ganak Doloni, Baghargaon, Nidanchowa, Rooptoli, Naoghuli, Phutabhog, Khalihamari, Major Doloni, Bhat Mow, and Borthekerabari have been submerged for several days due to the overflowing Pichola and Sesa rivers.

The ongoing flooding has severely impacted agriculture, preventing farmers from starting paddy transplantation during this cultivation season.

One resident remarked, "Our roads get submerged after just one night of heavy rain. This has been a recurring issue over the last two to three years."

Flood conditions have deteriorated further in the Dhalpur area, where the overflowing Dorpang, Dihiri, and Haitho rivers have flooded villages such as Maghnowa, No. 1 Rongoti, No. 2 Rongoti, and Athanibari.

Residents reported that repeated floods have left thick layers of silt on agricultural land, leading to significant crop losses and threatening their livelihoods.

New erosion has also been observed at Bonpuroi-Jamuguri, where a large crack has formed along the embankment connecting Jamuguri and Arimora.

In fear of a major breach, many families in nearby villages moved their belongings to safer locations overnight as panic spread.

The flood situation has become increasingly dire in Dhakuakhana, where relentless rainfall and rising water levels in rivers and tributaries have submerged numerous villages.

Strong currents surged into several villages on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Authorities have ramped up surveillance of vulnerable embankments and low-lying areas while continuing emergency reinforcement efforts as the Brahmaputra and its tributaries remain swollen.