Erosion leaves people living in river banks anxious in Melaghar

People of Melaghar Municipal Council's Wards 7 and 8 in Sepahijala district are spending sleepless nights as the monsoon induced rain led to swelling of water levels in the Gomati river flowing adjacent to their homes. Over the years, the river eroded large tracts of land from these to areas during the monsoons and the administrative action to fix the issue remained less than sufficient. 

The locals alleged that anti-erosion work along the Gomati river has remained stalled due to a dispute over the tender process, even as riverbank erosion continues to threaten houses and agricultural land.

With the Gomati river in spate following the monsoon, the intensity of erosion has increased, forcing several families living along the riverbank to dismantle and relocate their homes to safer places, local residents said.

They alleged that large tracts of agricultural land have already been washed away, while several houses have either collapsed into the river or are on the verge of being lost as the river continues to erode its banks.

Locals said they have been demanding the construction of a boulder embankment along the vulnerable stretch for nearly two decades to protect their homes and property from erosion.

According to them, the tender process for the proposed anti-erosion work was initiated around six months ago after prolonged demands. However, the project could not commence following disputes related to the tender process, leaving the work in limbo.

The delay has heightened concerns among hundreds of families living in the affected areas, who fear further erosion during the ongoing monsoon season.

Locals urged the authorities to resolve the pending issues at the earliest and begin the anti-erosion work to prevent further damage to lives and property.

There was no immediate response from the district administration or the concerned department regarding the allegations.