Guwahati, Aug 3 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state government will rope in experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati) to prepare a scientific and long-term strategy to tackle the recurring problem of riverbank erosion caused by the Brahmaputra.
Addressing the issue, CM Sarma said erosion along the Brahmaputra remains one of Assam’s biggest geographical and developmental challenges, with vast stretches of land being washed away every year, affecting thousands of families and threatening critical infrastructure.
“We will soon hold a meeting with experts from IIT-Guwahati to identify a permanent and scientific solution to the recurring erosion problem. Our teams are already working on mitigation measures, but we need a long-term strategy backed by modern technology and research,” the Chief Minister said.
CM Sarma’s remarks came after he reviewed the erosion situation in Dibrugarh district, where he visited several vulnerable locations, including Chabua, Balijan, Pukhurijan, Dinjan and Rahmoria, and interacted with residents who have suffered extensive land loss due to the shifting course of the Brahmaputra.
He said the government is committed to protecting erosion-prone areas by adopting advanced engineering techniques and scientific interventions instead of relying solely on temporary measures.
According to the Chief Minister, the proposed collaboration with IIT-Guwahati will help formulate sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce the long-term impact of erosion on communities living along the Brahmaputra.
The scientific study will complement the state government’s ongoing Rs 90-crore erosion mitigation project, which aims to strengthen vulnerable riverbanks and minimise the loss of agricultural land, homes and public infrastructure.
During his interaction with affected residents, CM Sarma assured them that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide all necessary assistance while pursuing permanent protective measures.
Riverbank erosion remains a recurring challenge in Assam, particularly during the monsoon season, with several districts along the Brahmaputra witnessing large-scale land loss every year.
The state government has been focusing on combining immediate protection works with long-term scientific planning to reduce the impact of erosion on vulnerable communities.
–IANS
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