CM Sarma charts Assam’s two-pronged strategy against river erosion

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday outlined his government's two-pronged strategy to tackle the state's persistent riverbank erosion crisis, saying the focus would be on protecting vulnerable areas through stronger embankments while putting newly formed land to productive use.

In a post on X, Sarma said Assam loses an estimated 8,000 hectares of land every year to riverbank erosion, even as siltation in different parts of the state leads to the formation of new tracts of land.

“Our strategy has two parts: strengthening embankments to protect vulnerable areas from erosion, and developing newly formed land for productive use in agriculture and tourism,” the Chief Minister said.

Sarma said he visited two such sites on Tuesday to review the progress of ongoing work and examine plans for developing the newly formed land.

Riverbank erosion remains one of Assam's most persistent environmental and humanitarian challenges. Every year, large stretches of agricultural land and human settlements along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries face the threat of being washed away, forcing thousands of families to relocate.

The issue has also emerged as a major political challenge for successive governments, particularly in riverine and char areas, where erosion can permanently alter village boundaries and destroy livelihoods.

The BJP-led state government has increasingly sought to combine conventional flood and erosion-control measures with a development-oriented approach towards land created through the Brahmaputra's changing course.

While embankments and other protection works are aimed at preventing further loss of land and protecting vulnerable populations, the proposed development of newly emerged land could open opportunities for farming, tourism and other economic activities.

Sarma's latest remarks underline the government's attempt to shift the policy conversation beyond disaster management and towards the economic potential of Assam's dynamic riverine landscape.

The Chief Minister's visit also comes at a time when the state government is pushing major infrastructure and tourism projects across Assam, while continuing to face the annual challenge posed by floods and erosion.

For communities living along the Brahmaputra, however, the effectiveness of the strategy will ultimately be measured by whether stronger protection works can prevent the recurring loss of homes, farmland and livelihoods.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IANS

[email protected]