Embankments : Boon Or Curse?

Because of the enormity of losses and sufferings caused by flood and erosion over a period of last few decades, both these problems are considered the most crucial problems affecting the state of Assam, particularly in the Brahmaputra Valley.

- Kishor Kumar Kalita

The Brahmaputra has been the lifeline of this part of India and the mighty river runs for 2880 kms through China, India and Bangladesh. Any alluvial river of such magnitude has problems of sediment erosion deposition attached with it; the Brahmaputra and its tributaries are no exception in this regard. Most of the river and tributaries of the North East region is characterized by its exceedingly large flow, enormous volume of sediment load, continuous changes in channel morphology, rapid bed aggradations and bank line recession and erosion. These rivers are flowing in the alluvial plains of Assam and therefore the lateral changes in channels cause severe erosion along the banks leading to a considerable loss of good fertile land every year. The enduring problems of flood, erosion and drainage congestion in the basin area of the Brahmaputra has created a deeper impact in the socio-economic dynamics of the state. As the flood and river erosion is responsible for the huge displacement of people from their abode as well as loss of livelihood, it has also become the root cause for intra-migration throughout the state. The greater issues of identity, rights on common property resources, land and shelter, ethnic conflicts are largely connected with the happenings of such intra migration in the state.