Assam: Allegations of irregularities surface in Brahmaputra erosion-control project in Tinsukia

Guwahati: Allegations of poor planning, delays, and suspected financial irregularities have been raised over erosion-control works being carried out by the Water Resources Department at the erosion-prone Hatighuli area under Saikhowa in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

The concerns were flagged by the Dibrugarh–Tinsukia District Flood and Erosion Resistance Struggle Forum after it conducted an inspection of several vulnerable stretches along the Brahmaputra river on Sunday.

According to the Forum, the department has not followed expert recommendations on managing the river’s current and has slowed the pace of work, even though the present low water level is widely considered suitable for erosion-control activities.

The Forum stated that experts have repeatedly suggested the construction of geo-tube spurs to divert the river’s flow and protect the banks. However, it claimed that no such measures have been initiated so far by the state government or the Water Resources Department.

“This inaction has aggravated erosion, particularly near Kenopus, where the situation has taken an alarming turn,” the Forum said, adding that a large cavity has formed along the riverbank, causing concern among local residents.

Concerns were also raised over the installation of porcupine screens in the Naokata area. Members of the Forum said they found over a hundred concrete porcupine posts embedded along the eroded bank near the screen.

Based on this observation, the Forum alleged possible irregularities and claimed that the contractor may have attempted to misrepresent the use of materials in official records.

The Forum has demanded a departmental inquiry into the alleged irregularities and urged the authorities to strengthen existing erosion-control measures and take immediate steps near Kenopus to prevent further damage.

Officials of the Water Resources Department could not be reached for comment on the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Local residents have expressed concern that continued delays and ineffective measures could result in further loss of land, livelihoods, and infrastructure if timely action is not taken.