Dibrugarh: In a move to protect Dibrugarh from the relentless force of the Brahmaputra, state power minister and local MLA Prasanta Phukan on Wednesday launched a dredging operation in the Bogibeel area of Dibrugarh.The initiative aims to address the severe siltation that has recently redirected the river’s current, triggering alarming bank erosion in downstream localities such as Maijan and Mohanaghat.The dredging, conducted by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), involves the mechanical removal of sediment from the riverbed to restore its natural channel. Phukan personally boarded an IWAI dredger vessel to supervise the commencement of the work, emphasising the urgency of the situation as the monsoon season approaches.The Brahmaputra is notorious for its sediment load, primarily sourced from the fragile Himalayan geology. Recent surveys indicate that a ‘mass siltation’ event has occurred near the pillars of the Bogibeel Bridge —India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge. This build-up has created underwater sandbars, forcing the water to deviate from its path and slam into the vulnerable banks of Dibrugarh.“Massive siltation near the Bogibeel Bridge and its surrounding pillars has altered the river’s trajectory, causing the water to lash against the banks from Maijan to Mohanaghat. This dredging is a priority to cut through the silt and realign the flow,” Phukan said.The minister also extended his gratitude to Sarbananda Sonowal, Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways and Dibrugarh MP, for facilitating the deployment of IWAI resources.“Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal has provided all necessary assistance to ensure these operations are carried out swiftly to mitigate the threat to our residents,” Phukan said.
