NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Oct 9 - Several smaller rivers and tributaries are causing massive devastation in Lakhimpur district this time due to abnormal rains.
The problem has aggravated because of the overflowing smaller rivers that meet the Subansiri river, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, in the district.
The smaller rivers that caused devastation during this late monsoon season are the Jiyadhal, Kumotiya, Champora, Korha and Charikodiya crisscrossing Dhakuwakhona, Ghilamora and Subansiri Revenue Circles. These rivers have not only damaged the croplands but caused widespread inundation and riverbank erosion, affecting communication and other vital aspects of daily life.
In Bordoibam Gaon Panchayat under Ghilamora Revenue Circle, the overflowing water of the Kumotiya and Champora rivers inundated 25 villages on October 5. The rivers caused massive riverbank erosion from Chakalaguri to a bridge at Chutiakari village in that area.
The Jiyadhal river that originates in Arunachal Pradesh was in abnormal spate in the last few days and is responsible for the rise in water levels of all the smaller rivers in eastern areas of Lakhimpur district.
Incessant rains in early October have affected the agricultural activities of thousands of peasants in Lakhimpur district this year, affecting their Sali paddy cultivation.
The overflowing water of the Korha river has inundated several areas of Middle-Dhakuwakhona, West Dhakuwakhona and Mornoi Gaon panchayats. The worst affected villages are Bhent-Toli, Ghahinbari, Omud-Borbari, Ujani Jalbhari, Maj Jalbhari, Bam Chapori, Kothalbari, Duliyagaon, No. 1 and No. 2 Bantow and many others.
The rural economy of the district already hit hard by lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic is facing a bleak season ahead due to the damage and loss of agricultural lands due to riverbank erosion.
In Nowboicha Revenue Circle, the increased water level of the Singra has threatened its right-hand side embankment at Charawani, which protects areas like Phoolbari, Dolahat and Sonapur.
Meanwhile, the TMPK, the MMK and the TMMK demonstrated against the state government's apathy towards the flood and erosion problems faced by the people of the district, on October 8.
