Doomdooma: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inaugurated a 84-lakh ceremonial welcome gate on the southern bank of the Doomdooma river in Tinsukia district, even as the river flowing beside the site shows visible signs of pollution, encroachment and unregulated sand extraction.
The Adarani Toran, was built by the Doomdooma Municipal Board with funds from the 15th Finance Commission and is positioned near the Doomdooma bridge at the town’s southern entry point. The inauguration was attended by local MLA and cabinet minister Rupesh Gowala, Doomdooma Municipal Board chairman Kanta Bhattacharjee and Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia.
Along the same stretch, the Doomdooma river carries plastic waste and household garbage, with refuse deposited along its banks and in the riverbed. Portions of the river appear narrowed due to unauthorised encroachments, while sand extraction activities were observed at multiple points, according to residents.
People living along the riverbank said the condition of the river has deteriorated over several years. They said repeated complaints to municipal authorities and district officials regarding waste dumping, encroachment and sand mining have not resulted in sustained enforcement.
“The river rises very quickly during the monsoon now,” said a resident living near the bridge on condition of anonymity. “Its width has reduced over time.”
Environmental experts note that encroachment and sand mining can reduce a river’s carrying capacity and destabilise its banks, increasing the risk of erosion and flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Such changes can also affect aquatic ecosystems and groundwater recharge.
Assam’s mining and environmental regulations restrict sand extraction from riverbeds and prohibit the disposal of solid waste into natural water bodies. However, environmental groups say enforcement in smaller towns remains limited, allowing violations to persist.
No visible action was taken to address the river’s condition during the inauguration, despite the affected stretch being adjacent to the newly constructed gate.
Local civil society organisations said development projects in riverine towns need to be accompanied by measures to protect natural drainage systems and urban rivers.
The condition of the Doomdooma River reflects broader challenges faced by small rivers in Assam, where increasing urban pressure and limited regulatory oversight are contributing to gradual environmental degradation.