Assam: 128-year-old Dibrugarh mosque demolished for drainage project

To construct a drainage system to solve the waterlogging problem of Dibrugarh town, the authorities have demolished the 128-year-old Chaulkhowa Jama Masjid to clear the way, officials said on Thursday.

 

Dibrugarh Municipal Board Commissioner Jay Vikas said in a significant move aimed at solving the persistent issue of artificial floods in Dibrugarh, the district administration demolished the mosque on Monday to facilitate the construction and upgradation of a major drainage system from Bokul to the Sessa Bridge.

 

"The demolition followed due legal procedures, including land acquisition, and compensation for the acquired land is currently being processed," he added.

 

Vikas also extended gratitude to the local public for their cooperation throughout the process.

 

"Following the demolition, a section is spreading misinformation on social media that the mosque was forcibly brought down by the district administration. However, it is not the case. The community fully supported us," he added.

 

Chaulkhowa Jamat Committee president Liaquat Ali said the mosque was not evicted, but demolished based on mutual consent following a lawful land acquisition process.

 

"The decision was taken in the larger interest of the town as the new drainage system is a vital component of Dibrugarh's flood mitigation plan," he added.

 

The construction of the second drainage channel from Bokul to the Sessa River is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging and improve urban infrastructure in the flood-prone town, which is the headquarters of Dibrugarh district. (PTI)