Assam: Bhergaon residents protest against Gitibari River dam construction, demand immediate action

The residents of Bhergaon in Udalguri district are raising intense objections against the construction of the Black River dam. The dam, constructed on the Gitibari River  has instilled fear among the villagers.

The roar of protest has intensified with the announcement of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Outraged locals have halted the construction of the dam, citing concerns over its impact on the region's ecology and livelihoods.
The story of the distressed villagers in the northern and southern parts of Shekhar Mouza in Bhergaon district, under Udalguri district, has gained prominence.

The dam was previously constructed to prevent erosion and safeguard against the misery of the villagers. However, the government, instead of reconstructing the dam to prevent erosion, has initiated construction in another area, raising fears among the villagers.

Residents, demanding proper rehabilitation measures before the construction proceeds, have intensified their protests. Today, the outraged residents halted construction work, demanding immediate cessation until their demands are addressed.

The villagers, disappointed by the authorities' negligence towards their welfare, have accused the government of misappropriating funds meant for the construction of the dam. They demand the immediate relocation of the dam to prevent further suffering of the villagers.

With the monsoon looming, the fear of flooding has intensified among the villagers. The authorities' failure to take immediate action to address their concerns has led to a call for boycotting the upcoming elections by the affected villagers.

The situation remains tense as half of the agricultural land in the affected villages of northern and southern Kalikhola has been inundated.

After the floods, the villagers are facing economic hardship due to the mismanagement of funds allocated for the construction of the dam.