DIBRUGARH, May 29: A looming crisis grips the Tinkhang Matikata area near Aithan in Dibrugarh, as massive erosion continues to eat away at its banks, endangering the vital Ring Bund.
In recent days, extensive erosion has devoured large portions of land along the bank, particularly in Mohanaghat and Aithan areas. This relentless erosion poses a serious threat to the Ring Bund, a crucial defense structure safeguarding over 15,000 residents from flooding.
Residents express growing concern as erosion persists unabated.
“For the past 10 days, erosion has plagued our area, with this year’s devastation surpassing the previous. The proximity of the Ring Bund to the erosion site heightens our fears,” remarks a local resident.
In response, communities from 25 villages have joined forces, organizing religious ceremonies to seek protection from the impending flood and erosion.
Authorities are not taking the threat lightly. Dibrugarh District Commissioner (DC) Bikram Kairi, accompanied by officials from the Water Resources Department, conducted an on-site inspection on Tuesday.
“Erosion has affected a stretch of 2.05 kilometers in the Tinkhang Matikata area near Aithan, with a critical vulnerable area spanning 800 meters. We’ve deployed measures like Geo-seeds and porcupines, but the risk to the Ring Bund remains significant,” explains a Water Resources Department official.
Chandmari Ghat in Dibrugarh faces a similar erosion onslaught, leading to the loss of substantial agricultural land into the Brahmaputra River.
To combat the threat, the state government’s water resources department has initiated plans to construct two spurs along the riverbank.
These structures, designed to redirect the river’s course, aim to mitigate erosion and safeguard Dibrugarh from future flood-related catastrophes.