Guwahati: Severe erosion along Brahmaputra River at Sukreswar Ghat

Staff reporter

Guwahati: A large stretch of land was washed away within hours due to severe riverbank erosion along the Brahmaputra River, sending shockwaves across the city on Sunday. The alarming incident unfolded at Sukreswar Ghat, where nearly 10 metres of riverbank was eroded in a flash, drastically altering the landscape and raising concerns over the safety of surrounding infrastructure.

Local residents, alarmed by the sudden land loss, reported that the riverbank began disintegrating rapidly since Saturday night. A pontoon belonging to the Inland Water Transport (IWT) department capsized at the nearby Jalporee ferry ghat on Sunday, following the collapse of the ground beneath it.

According to IWT officials, the pontoon—currently under lease—was stationed at the ghat when intense erosion led to the sudden sinking of the ground. “The pontoon, which is leased but belongs to the IWT department, capsized after the soil beneath it gave way due to erosion. We have deployed professionals who are actively working to retrieve the vessel,” an official stated.

Eyewitnesses described a loud crash as the ghat began to collapse under the pressure of the river’s current. The pontoon, unable to hold its position, tilted and sank. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Experts attribute the erosion to the aggressive currents of the Brahmaputra, worsened by the ongoing monsoon rains. The sudden collapse of land near the Sukreswar Temple—a key religious and tourist site—has prompted authorities to cordon off the area as a precautionary measure.

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