Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: A fresh flood advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC), warning of rising river levels across Northeast India, has heightened concern in Assam’s Tinsukia district. Severe erosion by the Brahmaputra is already endangering Dighaltarang and nearly 1,400 families dependent on the area.
The alert comes in the wake of continuous rainfall predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) until May 4. The advisory indicates a possible rise in water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries between May 1 and May 6.
In upper Assam, the situation is especially critical as erosion continues to damage both inhabited and productive land. At Dighaltarang, the river flowing through the Dangari channel has already washed away more than 35 hectares of plantation land, severely affecting tea production and moving dangerously close to key infrastructure.
Residential areas, particularly the ‘Purana Line’ locality, are in a vulnerable condition, with families living under constant risk due to the advancing erosion.
Workers and labour unions have alleged that a Rs 4 crore embankment project has failed to provide effective protection, leaving the estate exposed to further damage.
Following the flood advisory, labour organisations have urged immediate government action, warning that delays could escalate the situation into a major humanitarian crisis.