HT Correspondent
DEMOW, June 16: Assam Water Resources Department Minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday visited Dehing Kal Ghar Gaon, under the Demow Revenue Circle of 95 No. Demow Constituency, to assess the impact of ongoing riverbank erosion in the area.
During his visit, locals of the erosion-affected village apprised the minister of their long-standing grievances and hardships due to the recurring erosion problem. In response, Minister Hazarika assured that erosion control work along a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the Dehing river will commence immediately after the current rainy season.
Speaking to the media, Hazarika highlighted the government’s efforts over the last four years in the constituency. “Around Rs 120 crore worth of work has already been completed in Demow, addressing 80 percent of the flood-related issues,” he said. The minister also promised that the remaining works will be completed in due course.
A resident of Dehing Kal Ghar Gaon informed that erosion has been a chronic issue for decades, displacing several families from the area. Although repeated representations have been made to the concerned authorities and the state government, a permanent solution is yet to be implemented. Currently, around 100 families reside in the village, many of whom live under constant threat of displacement.
The villagers have appealed directly to the Chief Minister of Assam to intervene and ensure a long-term, sustainable solution to the erosion crisis.
Later in the day, Minister Hazarika also visited the Liabil area under the same constituency. He was accompanied by Sushanta Borgohain, MLA of 95 No. Demow Constituency, along with senior BJP leaders, officials from the Water Resources Department, and representatives from the Demow Co-District Administration.