TINSUKIA: Massive erosion by the Burhi Dihing River has triggered serious concern in Assam’s Tinsukia district, with residents of Aghonibari, Secha Nepali and No. 3 Shalguri villages fearing that a vital embankment linking Aghonibari and Khowang may soon be breached.

The river has already swallowed hundreds of bighas of fertile agricultural land, causing heavy losses to farmers and affecting the livelihoods of many families in the erosion-hit villages.

According to local residents, the erosion has now reached within 100 to 200 metres of the main embankment. They fear that if urgent anti-erosion measures are not taken, the embankment could collapse, exposing a vast area to flooding and further riverbank erosion.

The embankment serves as a crucial communication link between Aghonibari and Khowang. Residents said its breach would not only disrupt connectivity but also put nearby villages at greater risk during the ongoing monsoon season.

Villagers alleged that they have repeatedly informed the Water Resources Department about the worsening erosion. However, they claimed that no effective steps have been taken to protect the embankment or control the advancing river.

The affected residents have urged the state government and the Water Resources Department to take immediate anti-erosion measures to prevent further loss of land and avert a possible flood disaster.