JORHAT, Aug 1 � Erosion has been posing a threat to the existence of a vast area in West Jorhat near the Brahamaputra river after floods hit the whole area a couple of weeks ago. As the water level of the river receded, the entire area inhabited by the Mising community including Neol Gaon, Phurphuriya, Adarsha Kaliya, Bahir Kaliya and Bahir Rowmora villages has been affected by erosion.
If the erosion goes on at the same rate, more than 100 families spread over eight kilometers by the river from Neol Gaon to Pajab Bhakali will become homeless within a few days. A vast cultivable area has already been engulfed by the river. Cultivators in huge numbers have become landless.
On the other hand, the two namghars at Bhimpara and Sakupara are on the verge of being washed away due to the erosion caused by the river. The Chakala Pathar LP School has also been affected by erosion.
The local people have alleged that no preventive measures have been taken by the Government to control erosion in these areas. Though the Government undertook a project to install porcupines at Adarsh Kaliya four years ago, it has proved fruitless in the face of the large-scale erosion. The people of the area have been demanding a spur at that place but the authorities concerned have not paid any heed to it due to which they have been suffering.
It may be mentioned here that the people chased away Dr Bhumidhar Barman, the then State Revenue Minister who had come to lay the foundation stone of a project to set up porcupines instead of a permanent spur.
Elsewhere, it is feared that the Gaon Panchayat Office at south Ahotguri will also be affected by erosion within a day or two. The Balichapori Namghar in lower Majuli has already been eroded. Neamatighat has also been affected by erosion in the recent days. Ersoion is also posing a threat to the Nigamananda Shanti Ashram situated in the Kokilamukh area.
