Assam: House washed away in erosion, but owner clings to radio set

DIBRUGARH: Despite the devastation caused by Brahmaputra river erosion washing away his house in Mohanaghat area of Dibrugarh in Assam, 70-year-old Surya Kumar Bora has held on tightly to his old radio set, a cherished possession he has owned for the past 58 years.

As his home succumbed to the relentless erosion of the Brahmaputra, Bora refused to part with his beloved radio set, which has been a source of comfort and relaxation for him, particularly through its daily broadcasts of old melodies.

Often found gazing at the mighty Brahmaputra, Bora clings to his radio set, finding solace in its familiar tunes amidst the upheaval caused by the erosion.

Speaking about his attachment to the radio, Bora expressed, “My house was swept away in the recent erosion. We've lived here for many years, but the devastating erosion took everything from us. For 58 years, my radio set has been a constant companion, providing daily bulletins and songs that uplift my spirits. It has become an integral part of my life, especially since I started farming.”

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He continued, “When sadness overwhelms me, the radio brings me positivity. Since I began cultivating, I've carried the radio with me everywhere, and it has become an indispensable part of my routine.”

The recent erosion in Mohanaghat area claimed at least five houses, adding to the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

In 2020, a similar erosion event resulted in the loss of six houses in the same area.

Erosion at Dibrugarh in Assam traces back to the aftermath of the 1950 earthquake, which significantly altered the riverbed and led to widespread devastation in the region.

The gravity of the situation prompted then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to visit Dibrugarh in Assam to assess the damage.