Dibrugarh: Severe riverbank erosion triggered by the Brahmaputra river, entering through the Dangari river channel, has reached alarming proportions at the Dighaltarang Tea Estate under the Doomdooma Revenue Circle in Tinsukia district, threatening vital infrastructure and the livelihood of hundreds of families.
The relentless erosion has already consumed vast stretches of tea plantation, with nearly 35.48 hectares of land along with thousands of tea bushes lost to the raging river. The crisis has engulfed residential areas on the estate's northern side.
According to locals, Sections 1 through 8, 10, and 15 of the tea plantation are now witnessing severe erosion, with the estate's factory and hospital located barely 300 metres from the affected zone. They fear that key installations, including the factory, hospital, primary school, labour quarters, and managerial bungalows, face imminent risk unless urgent preventive measures are undertaken.
Workers Express Desperation
“Every day, the river moves closer to our homes and workplaces. If the government does not act immediately, thousands of families will be rendered homeless,” said Bhagirath Kurmi, a tea garden worker.
An embankment project undertaken last year by the state government at a cost of Rs 4 crore has proved grossly inadequate, covering only a 200-metre stretch with geobags. The estate supports 1,360 labourers, besides 56 sub-staff and 58 staff members, putting the future of 1,474 families in jeopardy.
Union Leader Appeals for Action
“Despite repeated appeals to authorities, no effective steps have been taken. The indifference is deepening an already catastrophic situation,” said senior Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha leader Raju Sahu on Monday.
The erosion continues unabated, and residents urge the government to implement long-term protective measures to save the estate and its people from displacement.
