A CORRESPONDENT
DIBRUGARH: Massive erosion has damaged a portion of the embankment at Maijan area in Dibrugarh, posing a serious threat to the existence of historic Dibrugarh town. For the last several days, massive erosion has been reported from Maijan-Nagakhuli area, which washed away eight houses of the Nagakhuli area. The Dibrugarh district administration has been working to stop the marauding erosion from Brahmaputra river.
"A portion of the dyke at Maijan area has been breached due to the constant erosion. If the erosion continues for more days then it will pose a threat for the people of Dibrugarh town," said a resident.
Speaking to The Sentinel, Manob Munda, president of Nagakhuli Gorakhonia Samity said, "For the last few days, massive erosion has been going on in Maijan-Nagakhuli area. Eight families were rendered homeless due to the marauding erosion. Despite several pleas, the department concerned has failed to resolve the matter. Till date, huge bighas of land were gobbled up by the river."
Talking to the reporters, Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan said, "If the river breaches the entire embankment, all nearby areas including the Assam Medical College and Hospital, the Dibrugarh Airport will come under water. The protection measures have not been successful so far. We are trying to control the erosion by placing mega geo-fibre bags in the foot of the embankment but since the water level is 12-metre deep, the bags are being washed away."
"The erosion has been caused due to changing course of the Brahmaputra. Earlier the river current used to hit Dibrugarh's Rohmoria area. This time due to changing course of the river, the Nagaghuli and Maijan area have to face the brunt of erosion. We are doing everything possible to deal with the situation," said Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu.
The district administration sought the help of workers of nearby Maijan and Greenwood tea estates to repair the embankment. It may be mentioned that the great earthquake of 1950 measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale changed the course of the Brahmaputra besides lifting the river bed. The bed level of the Brahmaputra which flows beside Dibrugarh town lies several metres above the ground level of the town.
Also Watch: