Assam: Severe erosion in Goalpara's Jaleswar threatens historic market and farmlands

Riverbank erosion has taken a serious turn in Jaleswar of Assam's Goalpara district as rising water levels in the Brahmaputra continue to eat away at vast stretches of land, posing a major threat to local communities and infrastructure.

 

Several riverside areas, including Jaleswar Ferry Ghat, Satbhendi and Takimari, are witnessing intense erosion, with large portions of agricultural land being swallowed by the river every day. The situation has left many farming families, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, facing growing uncertainty.

 

Of particular concern is the historic Jaleswar Market, which has served the region for more than a century and is now under severe threat from the advancing erosion. Local residents fear that if immediate preventive measures are not taken, the market could eventually be lost to the river.

 

Residents have expressed alarm over the worsening situation and warned that continued erosion could cause significant economic and social disruption in the area.

 

Meanwhile, locals have alleged that no effective measures have been taken so far to address the erosion problem. They voiced strong resentment against local MLA Aftab Uddin Mollah, accusing him of failing to take meaningful action to protect the affected areas.

 

The erosion-hit families have urged the MLA and concerned government departments to take urgent steps to implement erosion-control measures and safeguard both the historic market and the extensive agricultural land under threat.

 

With the monsoon season approaching and water levels continuing to rise, residents say timely and effective intervention will be crucial to prevent further devastation in the region.