JONAI, July 8 � Unabated erosion caused by the Lali river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra river, is posing a serious threat to the existence of the Bahir-Jonai area. The erosion has rendered about 50 families homeless during the last one year. It has become so critical that the entire Jonai area will be be washed away in floodwaters this year if prompt protection measures are not initiated. Several hectares of forest land in the Poba RF near the Jonai subdivisional headquarters have been gripped by the Lali and Brahmaputra rivers during the last five years.
The southern part of Jonai subdivision, south of the NH-52, is a riverine and flood-prone area and the local people have been living with myriad problems as recurring floods have caused devastation to the rural economy every year. Due to the alleged indifferent attitude of the elected representatives and the department concerned, no effective steps have been initiated to protect the area so far.
Erosion by the Lali river has taken such a serious turn during the last six months that it has gripped Lalipariya and Beraghat villages. It has also rendered homeless 16 families in the Bearchapori portion during the last six months. The river also eroded a large area on its right bank during the last monsoon and washed away 32 houses at Beraghat. Erosion will grip Kerker village soon if prompt anti-erosion measures are not taken.
The Lali river, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh flowing down Kerker, Bhalukaguri and Moonmooni-Choraibari Char and Bhekeli and Borong areas is moving closer to its northern parts, bringing great misery to the people each year. The early flash floods last year washed away the entire area and swallowed several hectares of �Ahu� and �Boro� cultivation at Bahirjonai, Rayang-Bijoypur, Gali, Ramdhan and Laimekuri panchayats.
The river is also posing a threat to the existence of Kobuchapori, Moonmooni and Borong-Soraibari chars on its south bank while it has eroded several hectares of fertile cultivated land on its north bank. Likewise, the Brahmaputra is causing serious erosion at the Majorbari ferry ghat portion of Simenchapori under the subdivision.
It is worth mentioning that an erosion control project worth Rs 80.51 crore was sanctioned under the Central Water Resources Department, which is yet to be started. The project will cover a 14-km stretch from Anchalghat to Berachapori on its right bank.
