Assam: Soil erosion worsens after suspected flawed sluice gate project in Boko

Serious allegations of corruption and technical mismanagement have emerged from the Irrigation Department in Boko, following the failure of a recently implemented project near the sluice gate of the Singra River.

The project, initiated to curb soil erosion caused by the strong flow of water from the Singra sluice gate, involved the placement of large stone boulders along the riverbank. However, local residents report that due to poor planning and the inexperience of the contractor and supervising engineers, the effort failed disastrously. The force of the river's current washed away not only the boulders but also significant portions of nearby agricultural land belonging to the villagers.

Locals allege that despite bringing the issue to the attention of the concerned authorities, the engineer of the Boko-Chhaygaon Irrigation Subdivision responded with hostility instead of taking remedial action. The incident has raised serious concerns about accountability, quality control, and transparency in public infrastructure projects in the region.

A demand for an independent inquiry into the matter is gaining momentum among affected residents.