NORTH LAKHIMPUR, July 27 - The right hand side embankment of Dirgha river under Kadam Revenue Circle in Lakhimpur district is under severe threat as the river is eroding fast.
The 9.60 km long embankment, which stretches from Seajuli Tea Estate to Bhimpora in Bogeenadi was constructed by E&D (now Water Resources Department) in 1952-53 and was converted to a road by district PWD (Roads) some years back. Since then, the embankment has been the only way of communication of twenty villages in the Assam-Arunachal border besides protecting the area from flood.
However, the present erosion by the Dirgha river is threatening the embankment ever since the rain lashed the region two weeks ago. The fate of thousands of villagers of Lal Pani, Uttar Kulabari, Jora Dhora, Dirgha Lilabasti, Gergeria, Dakshin Kulabali are now facing threat as the embankment could be breached at any time now. So far the district Water Resources Department has not taken up adequate anti-erosion measures on this embankment. They are found trying to stop the erosion by tree branches, bamboo posts and sand bags on that embankment.
