Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited the erosion-ravaged Maijan area of Dibrugarh and reviewed the ongoing works taken up by the water resources department to stem the erosion. The chief minister was accompanied by water resources department minister Pijush Hazarika, union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Rameswar Teli, Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, Lahowal MLA Binod Hazarika and officials of the water resources department. The Chief Minister also inspected the embankment which was badly damaged by the Brahmaputra recently posing a major threat to the existence of the 180-year-old Dibrugarh town. Assessing the repair and preventive measures, the chief minister assured full support from the state government for the protection of the important embankment which is crucial for the safety of Dibrugarh town.
“Already huge swathes of land have been lost in the Brahmaputra erosion. Many people have become homeless. Out first priority is to stop the erosion. The water resources department is woking day and night for that. After we succeed in stopping the erosion we can think of permanent steps to solve the problem. I have asked officials to ensure longevity of the embankment,” the chief minister said.
The recent erosion at Maijan and Nagaghuli area of Dibrugarh saw several acres of farmland being washed away by the Brahmaputra. Atleast eight dwelling houses were also swept away by the river forcing several families to take refuge in makeshift bamboo huts atop the embankment.