Silchar: Severe erosion by the Madhura, a major tributary of the Barak river, has triggered widespread panic at Goshaipur village in Cachar, with over 30 families staring at an uncertain future after continuous rain has caused large stretches of the riverbank to collapse into the river.Locals alleged that despite erosion being a perennial problem, no permanent anti-erosion measures have been undertaken by the authorities.“Every night we live in fear. At any moment the riverbank may collapse and our homes may disappear into the river,” said a distressed resident. Fearing further collapses, several families have already started shifting their belongings to safer locations.Demanding immediate intervention from the state govt and the water resources department, the villagers warned that a vast portion of Goshaipur village will be completely wiped out, if effective, permanent erosion-control structures are not implemented immediately.Madhura is an integral part of the Barak river basin, which forms the second-largest river system in the northeast. Chronic flooding and erosion remain a massive socio-economic challenge across the Barak Valley, causing extensive damage to life, property and livelihoods during the monsoon.
