Delhi oblivious to Assam's soil erosion crisis: Rakibul Hussain expresses deep concerns

The annual monsoon floods in Dhubri, perpetually besieged by River Brahmaputra, have once again wreaked havoc, leading to extensive soil erosion. This relentless erosion devours thousands of hectares of fertile agricultural land, government properties, and residential areas, leaving the inhabitants of the char regions in a perpetual state of despair. These sandy lands, surrounded by water, are the lifeline for many who rely on them for both habitation and cultivation.

 

Member of Parliament for Dhubri Rakibul Hussain has voiced his deep concern over this ongoing calamity. He pledged to prioritise the issue of soil erosion, a topic often overshadowed by the immediate threats posed by flooding.

 

"Delhi remains oblivious to the devastating impact of soil erosion, despite its significant consequences," Hussain remarked. "We need to educate them about this silent catastrophe and bring delegations from every party to witness the ground reality firsthand."

 

Hussain's words highlights the disconnect between the central government and the lived experiences of those in Assam. Residents of the char areas, who lose their land to erosion, find themselves homeless, living in makeshift tents along roadsides. These displaced individuals, stripped of their livelihoods, are unjustly labeled as encroachers.

 

River Brahmaputra, one of the world's largest and most significant river systems, courses through the Assam valley from Kobo to Dhubri. Along its journey, it is joined by approximately 33 major tributaries, contributing to a high sediment load and the river's notorious braiding. This unique hydrological behaviour exacerbates soil erosion, causing massive destruction.

 

The river's undercurrents, which flow beneath the surface rather than on top, intensify the erosion, creating a cycle of devastation that leaves local residents in ruins.