The worsening Dibrugarh Brahmaputra erosion has ignited sharp political criticism in Assam, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of failing to provide permanent protection to vulnerable communities. As river-bank erosion intensifies, residents are losing land, homes, and livelihoods — escalating fears of displacement and infrastructure collapse.
Skyrocketing Erosion Threatens Lives and Infrastructure
Local residents report that stretches of the riverbank in areas like Maijan, Kachari Ghat, and Thakurbari are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to the Times of India, up to 70–80 metres of land has eroded along a 250-metre stretch near the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) dyke.
In a particularly jarring incident, erosion nearly swept away a yoga centre and playground at Joggers Park in Dibrugarh. The river, in some places, now flows just 30 metres from the protective DTP embankment — raising fears of a catastrophic breach.
Villagers in Maijan Bor Saikia were jolted when around 15 metres of land collapsed on November 3, following a sudden four-plus foot rise in water levels — a spike they say came without warning from flood-monitoring agencies.
Opposition Critiques the Government’s “Half-Measures”
Opposition voices claim the government has long underestimated the scale of the erosion crisis in Dibrugarh. While Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika has defended the government’s efforts — saying “100 percent protection … is never possible” — critics argue that current strategies rely too heavily on temporary fixes.
During his site visit, Minister Hazarika announced a ₹300 crore anti-erosion project, which includes deploying 32,000 C-type geo-bags, and noted that approximately ₹375 crore has already been allocated for erosion control in the region. But opposition leaders and local experts say these interventions fall short without a long-term, scientific plan.
Environmental experts have echoed those concerns. A geological scientist told The Telegraph that many of the dyke’s original stone and wooden spurs are in disrepair, and that erosion control efforts lack a coherent, sustained strategy.
Residents argue that repeated promises have not translated into reliable protection. “Every year we lose huge bighas of land to erosion … We want a scientific, permanent solution,” said a long-time inhabitant of Dibrugarh’s vulnerable embankment zones.
Impact on Lives: Displacement, Anxiety, and Livelihood Loss
The erosion has already forced families to evacuate, particularly in low-lying areas near Mohanaghat. In the Chabua (Balijan) area of Dibrugarh district, at least 25 families have become homeless after the river claimed their homes and farmlands.
Local protestors in Chabua have already rallied, demanding more accountable governance and immediate erosion control.
The psychological toll is steep. Residents report sleepless nights and constant fear that their homes, schools, or community landmarks could be next. One local lamented that previous anti-erosion materials — like geo-bags — have been washed away, leaving uncertainty and frustration in their wake.
Government Defends Its Approach, But Critics Aren’t Reassured
Minister Hazarika, while acknowledging the suddenness of some erosion events, has pushed back against criticism, saying officials are working “on a war footing” with geo-bags, RCC porcupine structures, and other reinforcement measures.
Still, the scale of the crisis is daunting. The Assam Tribune reports that despite strong efforts, even “nearly 90% success” touted by the government may not guarantee safety due to the Brahmaputra’s unpredictable power.
Calls for Long-Term Strategy and Accountability
Opposition leaders and local advocacy groups are demanding:
- A scientific master plan for erosion control, not just temporary patchwork.
- Independent review of existing embankment structures and their long-term viability.
- Transparent, accountable use of funds allocated to erosion mitigation.
- Rehabilitation and compensation for displaced families, especially from agriculture and tea garden communities.
As one community representative put it: “We cannot keep fighting the river year after year. We want governance that respects the magnitude of this crisis.”
What’s Next: The Rising Stakes for Dibrugarh
If erosion continues unchecked, experts warn, the DTP dyke — the backbone of Dibrugarh’s flood protection — could be at risk. That would not just threaten property, but also displace thousands.
Residents hope for a turning point: that the government moves beyond reactive measures and delivers long-term, science-backed protection.
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