Erosion Displaces Dozens in Assam’s Chenga; 300 Families at Risk

Erosion caused by the turbulent Jaljali River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, has taken on a devastating turn in Pub Majarchor village in Assam's Chenga. In just the past two days, the riverbank erosion has rendered at least 10 families homeless, forcing them to dismantle their homes and flee in the dead of night with only their bare essentials.

The displaced families, who once dreamed of a peaceful life in their homes, now face uncertainty and hardship, their dreams swept away by the river’s fury. With the erosion showing no signs of slowing down, over 300 other families in the village are now living in fear, worried that they could be next.

Despite the growing crisis, MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed has yet to visit the erosion-hit area or extend any support to the affected families, according to villagers. The silence and absence of elected representatives have only added to the distress of those impacted.

The affected people have now urged the Barpeta Deputy Commissioner to take urgent steps to prevent further erosion and to implement protective measures in the village before the situation worsens. As the monsoon season intensifies, locals fear that more lives and livelihoods could be swallowed by the river if immediate action is not taken.

The residents are demanding rehabilitation support from the state government to safeguard their homes, their land, and their future.

Describing their ordeal, one of the locals said, "Last night, at least three houses were completely washed away. There are around 300 families here. Who knows when our homes will be swept away next? No government official has ever set foot here. We spend our nights trying to patch up what’s left of our homes. No one cares how we’re surviving. The local MLA is nowhere to be seen. They remember us only during elections. This isn’t new. It’s been happening for years now."       

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