Severe riverbank erosion threatens key road in Assam's Sripur, residents fear collapse

Severe riverbank erosion in Assam's Sripur area has damaged a protection embankment and left a crucial road at risk of collapse, raising concerns among thousands of residents who depend on the route for daily transportation.

The Sripur area was earlier part of Cachar district but now falls under Hailakandi district following delimitation. However, divisional works in the area continue to be handled by the Irrigation Department of Cachar district.

For years, thousands of families have relied on the protection embankment and the road running along it for movement in and out of the area. During previous floods, the embankment was damaged, allowing floodwaters to enter several areas, including parts of Silchar town. Divisional officials subsequently visited the site and undertook repair work.

A fresh landslide has now occurred around 500 metres from the earlier repaired section. The incident has caused extensive cracks across nearly half of the road, leaving the stretch vulnerable to further damage.

Residents fear that continued rainfall could worsen the cracks and lead to the collapse of the road. They have also expressed concern that a major breach could allow river water to enter the surrounding areas and severely disrupt connectivity.

The damaged stretch has already created difficulties for emergency movement. Residents said ambulances are unable to use the road because the additional pressure from vehicles could trigger further landslides. As a result, people continue to cross the vulnerable section despite the risks.

During the previous floods, several leaders and ministers, including Assam minister Piyush Hazarika, visited the area and assured residents that quality work would be undertaken to strengthen the embankment. However, residents allege that no substantial strengthening work has been carried out since then.

With the river continuing to threaten the road, residents have urged local leaders, ministers and divisional officials to take immediate measures to protect the embankment and restore safe connectivity.

They have warned that any further delay could result in the collapse of the road, leaving the affected villages without a vital transportation link.