Staff Reporter
Guwahati: The people of Bhakat Chapori in Majuli sent out an SOS to Dispur to save them from the massive erosion on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Hundreds of people from the 16 villages of Bhakat Chapori gathered on Monday morning to protest against 'government inaction'. Scores of people threatened to boycott the Panchayat election if no measures are taken up on a war footing to save their land and homes.
In the past few days, Majuli has been reeling from massive soil erosion by the Brahmaputra River, with huge swathes of agricultural land along with many houses swept away by the river waters in Bhakat Chapori. There are 16 villages in Bhakat Chapori, which has very fertile land with considerable agricultural production, and most of them are in danger from the persistent soil erosion issue. Erosion occurs here on a regular basis, sometimes on a bigger scale and sometimes on a lesser scale. However, this has failed to grab the attention of the government the way it should have, locals alleged.
Hundreds of people today marched in protest, holding placards that read 'Stop erosion', 'We need a permanent solution', 'Save Bhakat Chapori', 'Give us protection' and others with similar wordings. They shouted slogans against local BJP MLA Bhuban Gam, the state government, and the local administration.
After some time, the circle officer of the area arrived at the spot, and the protestors submitted a memorandum with the demand for protection of Bhakat Chapori from erosion by the Brahmaputra. They also demanded the construction of a bridge connecting Bhakat Chapori to the mainland of Majuli. Local people also pointed out that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had visited Bhakat Chapori a few years ago and assured the residents that the area would be developed. But they alleged that nothing has changed in their condition to date.
Also Read: Assam: Majuli’s Bhakat Chapori in the Grip of Massive Erosion
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