A CORRESPONDENT
DIBRUGARH: For the last few days, massive erosion by the Brahmaputra continues unabated on the outskirts of Dibrugarh town, with many new areas coming under the grip of fresh erosion. On Wednesday, fresh erosion was reported from several new areas in Maijan and Nagaghuli on the town's outskirts. The district administration has asked the local people to remain on alert so that they can be evacuated to safer locations in case of an emergency.
Meanwhile, restoration work of the Brahmaputra embankment in the Maijan-Nagaghuli area, which was damaged by strong currents, continued for the second day on Wednesday. The water resources department, with the help of locals, constructed a 50-metre-long barricade using soil and mega geo-fibre bags to reinforce the damaged section of the embankment.
Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu, who has been personally monitoring the restoration work, said that every possible measure has been taken to stem the erosion and the water resources department equipped with men and machines was working round the clock to mitigate the situation.
"The situation is vulnerable but we are hopeful that the measures which we have taken in the last two days will be successful in preventing any further damage to the embankment. However, these are all temporary protection measures. Only after the river water subsides, will we be able to take up protection measures on a permanent basis," the Deputy Commissioner said.
Harish Baruah, SDO (West Sub-Division) of the water resources department said, "There is nothing to panic. Our men are working round the clock and the situation is under control. The water level of the Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh is also showing a slight declining trend. Today morning the Brahmaputra was flowing at 105.21 metre at 7 am against the danger level of 105.70 metre. At 2 pm the water level had fallen down to 105.18 metre."
The villagers are moving towards safer places with their belongings. The marauding erosion has washed away eight houses so far in the Nagakhuli are in Maijan. "We don't know what will happen to us. For the last few days erosion has washed away our house and we have taken refuge on the dyke," said a villager.
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