CM Himanta Biswa Sarma visits erosion-hit Pukhurijan, reviews anti-erosion measures

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, August 2, visited the erosion-hit Pukhurijan area in Chabua to assess the damage caused by the Brahmaputra's advancing riverbank erosion and review ongoing and proposed protection measures.
 

During the visit, officials informed the Chief Minister that the Water Resources Department has submitted a Rs 90-crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a permanent erosion protection project aimed at safeguarding the vulnerable stretch.
 

As an immediate measure, anti-erosion work is currently underway along a 3-km stretch of the Brahmaputra riverbank at Pukhurijan. The temporary protection work involves the installation of geo-bags and is being carried out through a Rs 9-crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative funded by Oil India Limited.
 

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the ongoing work and interacted with officials on the steps being taken to mitigate the impact of erosion in the area, which has witnessed severe land loss due to the Brahmaputra's changing course.
 

He was accompanied by Chabua-Lahowal MLA Binod Hazarika, Rajya Sabha MP Rameswar Teli, Naharkatia MLA Taranga Gogoi, Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, former MLA Ponakan Baruah, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi, and senior officials of the Water Resources Department.
 

Pukhurijan has been among the worst-affected areas in Upper Assam due to recurring riverbank erosion, with residents repeatedly demanding permanent measures to protect their homes, agricultural land and public infrastructure from the Brahmaputra's relentless advance.