Urgent Action Needed to Combat Erosion Threatening Majuli's Heritage
Erosion Crisis in Majuli
Satradhikar of Auniati Satra in Majuli speaking to local residents of erosion-hit Bhakat Chapori on Wednesday (Photo: AT)
Jorhat, Oct 14: The severe erosion along the Brahmaputra River in Bhakat Chapori, Majuli, poses a significant threat to approximately 25-26 villages and several satras, including the historic Auniati Satra. The Satradhikar has urgently called for state government intervention.
During a visit to the affected Gorukhuti area on Wednesday, Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami, the Satradhikar of Auniati Satra, expressed grave concerns that ongoing erosion could completely obliterate entire communities and sacred sites.
“Residents are terrified. If this erosion persists, Bhakat Chapori could vanish, submerging numerous villages and satras. The repercussions of this situation could be catastrophic if it continues for even another ten days,” he stated.
Goswami appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for immediate action, advocating for extensive erosion control measures utilizing mega tubes.
He cautioned that if the government does not respond promptly, local residents and devotees might initiate their own protective efforts after Kati Bihu.
“We have implored the government for swift action. Any further delay may compel the community to take matters into their own hands,” he warned.
The Satradhikar also invited Majuli MLA Bhuban Gam to assess the damage firsthand.
He noted that a previous meeting site, located about a kilometer from the current erosion zone, had already been lost to the river.
Gam confirmed that he visited the area with relevant officials after being informed by Goswami and pledged to escalate the issue to the state government.
A proposal requesting ₹216 crore for erosion protection from Bhakat Chapori to Kordoiguri using mega tubes has been submitted, according to the MLA.
He mentioned that the installation of these tubes could take around a month, while interim measures such as geo-bags and porcupine structures would be put in place.
Gam indicated that the Water Resources Department would oversee the implementation of these protective strategies, rather than the Brahmaputra Board.
The ongoing erosion crisis has raised alarms regarding the potential loss of inhabited areas and the rich religious and cultural heritage of Majuli.
This river island is celebrated for its Vaishnavite satras, which uphold the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and embody Assam’s devotional and cultural legacy.