Dhubri Administration Halts Construction Near Mora Gadadhar Rivulet Over 2023 Order Violations
The Dhubri district administration in Assam took decisive action on Friday by stopping all construction activities near the Mora Gadadhar rivulet. This move comes in response to clear violations of a "no construction" order that was originally issued back in 2023, according to statements from both officials and local activists.
Cultural Significance and Environmental Threats
Mora Gadadhar, which flows between the towns of Dhubri and Gauripur, holds deep cultural importance for the region. The rivulet was immortalized in a popular song by the renowned Goalpariya folk singer and Padmashri awardee Pratima Barua Pandey. Beyond its cultural value, Mora Gadadhar has become the focal point of an ongoing movement against alleged encroachment and unauthorized construction activities that threaten its existence.
Rajib Sarma, a Dhubri-based social activist who has led a five-year campaign to protect Mora Gadadhar, expressed serious concerns about the rivulet's future. He alleged that "clandestine encroachment" in a wetland area spanning approximately 3,000 bighas is putting the entire water body at risk.
Administrative Action and Delayed Investigation
"This issue was brought to the attention of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma," Rajib Sarma explained. "Following his intervention, the then district commissioner Dibakar Nath issued an order on March 30, 2023, to halt all construction activities and initiated an inquiry into the alleged encroachment of government land. However, the investigation remains incomplete to this day."
Dhubri circle officer Ranjumoni Dutta confirmed that the administration has stopped the ongoing construction work at Mora Gadadhar. The authorities have asked the involved party to produce relevant documents before Dhubri additional commissioner (revenue) Kartik Kalita for further examination.
Local Outrage and Ecological Importance
Local residents have expressed growing anger over the alleged encroachment activities and are demanding the immediate eviction of illegal occupants from the rivulet's banks. Their concerns extend beyond cultural preservation to include significant environmental considerations.
An official from the Dhubri divisional water resource department highlighted the rivulet's crucial ecological role. "Beyond its cultural and environmental importance, Mora Gadadhar plays a vital function during flood seasons by holding back water from the Brahmaputra River," the official stated. This natural water management capability makes the protection of the rivulet essential for regional flood control and environmental stability.
The administration's recent intervention represents a renewed effort to enforce the 2023 construction ban, though questions remain about why the initial investigation has seen such significant delays. Local activists continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that timely action is essential to preserve both the cultural heritage and ecological balance that Mora Gadadhar represents for the Dhubri region.
