Assam: River Dihing erosion leaves Dihing Than gaon residents in perpetual distress

Residents of Dihing Than gaon under the Khowang Legislative Assembly constituency in Dibrugarh district continue to live under the constant threat of erosion caused by the River Dihing, a crisis they say has remained unresolved for decades. 

Villagers said riverbank erosion has been occurring since 1988, forcing families to shift their homes repeatedly as the river steadily eats into the land.

According to locals, nearly 150 families currently reside along the edge of the riverbank, facing growing uncertainty over their future. Many households claim they have been compelled to dismantle and reconstruct their homes four to five times over the years due to the advancing river.

Alleging official apathy, resident Kalpana Das said that the villagers face severe hardship every year during the monsoon season, but no concrete measures have been taken to address the problem. 

She accused the local MLA Chakradhar Gogoi of failing to provide a lasting solution, despite repeated appeals from the affected families.

The erosion has emerged as a recurring concern across parts of the Khowang Legislative Assembly constituency, with residents stating that the absence of effective embankments or erosion-control measures has worsened their vulnerability. 

As the river continues to encroach upon inhabited areas, villagers are demanding urgent intervention from the authorities to protect lives, land and livelihoods before the situation deteriorates further.