Severe riverbank erosion along the south bank of the Brahmaputra has raised fresh concerns in Assam, with the Flood Erosion Resistance Struggle Forum of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts urging the state government to take immediate and permanent action.
In a petition to the Assam Chief Minister, the forum said erosion has intensified at multiple locations along the stretch from Dibrugarh to Dhola Hatighuli and Sadiya. It acknowledged the Water Resources Department’s ongoing efforts, including the installation of sand-filled geo-bags, but maintained that temporary protection measures cannot address the problem in the long run.
Forum president Binod Kedia said the continuing erosion poses a serious risk to Dibrugarh city, nearby villages, tea estates, farmland and important infrastructure. He stressed the need for a permanent, scientific solution rather than relying solely on short-term protection measures.
The forum believes the situation worsened after major geomorphological changes in the region in 2021. According to its assessment, changes in the courses of the Siang and Dibang rivers have altered the overall flow pattern, increasing pressure on the south bank of the Brahmaputra.
Several areas have been identified as particularly vulnerable, including Maijan, Nagaghuli, Oakland, Rohmaria Mouza, Balijan, Rongmala and Bindhakota. The forum has also expressed concern about the possible impact on Mohanbari Airport and the Dinjan Army Cantonment if erosion continues unchecked.
The Dibang River has reportedly been causing persistent erosion between Sadiya and Guijan since its course changed. The resulting damage has affected villages, protection embankments, tea gardens and agricultural fields.
The forum has called for a high-level scientific study covering the Brahmaputra, Siang and Dibang rivers. It wants a detailed assessment of their current courses, flow patterns and the reasons behind the continuing erosion so that a comprehensive protection strategy can be developed.
The forum also said the Chief Minister’s assurance of exploring a permanent solution in consultation with IIT Guwahati has raised hopes among residents of vulnerable areas. Kedia urged the government to treat the issue as an emergency and take concrete steps to protect Dibrugarh and the entire Brahmaputra south bank up to Sadiya.
