Guwahati: Concerned over the long-standing problem of floods and erosion in the Talap–Kordoiguri region in Tinsukia district of upper Assam, several organisations expressed their protest through a press-meet yesterday demanding a permanent solution to the recurring disaster caused by the Dangari River, locally known as Ananta Nala.
The protesters stated that the area, falling under the Makum and Sadia Assembly constituencies has been facing severe flooding and riverbank erosion for nearly three decades. They alleged that despite repeated assurances from successive governments, no concrete or permanent flood control measures have been implemented so far.
According to the local residents, the river frequently overflows during the monsoon season, inundating vast areas and damaging agricultural land across multiple villages, including Rongajan- Sumoijan, Tanuli, Hatishal , Bargara, Kordoiguri , Kerani 3 Number Kordoiguri, Goriyating , Gatang , Darjijan and Kaktia . Large quantities of sand deposition have rendered fertile farmland unproductive, severely affecting local livelihoods.
The organisations accused the authorities of relying only on temporary measures, which fail every year during floods. They said local residents are forced to suffer recurring losses of crops, land and property due to the absence of scientific and permanent river management solutions.
During the meet, leaders of the organisations warned that if immediate steps are not taken to resolve the problem permanently, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.
They also sounded the reminder that before elections, both central and state leaders had promised long-term flood mitigation measures in the region.
The protesters demanded that the Water Resources Department take urgent action and implement a permanent flood control project to protect the affected areas. They further stated that continued neglect could lead to widespread public unrest.
The meet was attended by representatives of several organisations and other social bodies.