Pollution threatens lifeline of Dhakuakhana: Charikoria River

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: At a time when the novel coronavirus contagion has affected lives all over, the outbreak of the African swine fever has worsened the situation across the State. Along with the other parts of the State, African swine fever has taken the lives of thousands of pigs along with cows in various villages under Dhakuakhana subdivision and North Lakhimpur subdivision of Lakhimpur district. Of late, this unexpected phenomenon has caused alarming threat to River Charikoriya, the lifeline of Dhakuakhana.

A section of irrational people threw the carcasses of the pigs and cows in the River Charikorya instead of burying them in isolated places by maintaining proper hygiene in order to prevent further infection and to check environmental pollution. As a result of it, decayed carcasses of the animals, seen floating here and there in the river, have polluted the river causing massive threat to the health of the riverine people. At present, it is considered that the virus of African swine fever spread from the carcasses has contaminated the water in the river. This has not only created panic among the people living on the bank of the river but also caused massive threat to the bio-diversity and aquatic animals of the river.

Litterateurs, including Homen Borgohain, have created evergreen compositions centring round the background and beauty of the perennial river. The existence of the river has added another dimension to the beauty of Dhakuakhana town. Moreover, the historic Phato Bihu, the unique festival of the State, is also celebrated at Mohghuli Chapori located on the bank of the River Charikorya. Under such circumstances, the man-made pollution of the river has caused concern among the conscious people of the subdivision.

On the other hand, the 'Clean Charikoriya' mission, adopted by the Dhakuakhana subdivisional administration, also ended in smoke. So, the people of the subdivision have demanded the Dhakuakhana subdivisional and Lakhimpur district administration and the District Veterinary Department to take immediate and adequate steps to save the river from further pollution. 

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