Dhubri: Erosion along the Brahmaputra in the Fakirganj area of Dhubri district is threatening public infrastructure and the livelihoods of people in riverine areas, residents said.The Mairakuchi Second Part Drinking Water Supply Scheme, built under the central govt’s Jal Jeevan Mission, is now at risk as the river continues to erode its banks. The project is reportedly worth about Rs 1 crore.Residents said the erosion had reached close to the water supply facility, raising fears that parts of it could be washed away unless preventive measures were taken immediately.“The erosion is progressing rapidly, and the drinking water project is now under serious threat. If urgent steps are not taken, the entire project may disappear into the Brahmaputra,” local resident and social worker Atikur Rasaid said.The only road connecting Airkata and Fakirganj has already been eroded, forcing thousands of people in the wider area to depend on mechanised boats for daily travel, according to residents.They said the road link had remained disrupted for a prolonged period, causing difficulties for students, patients, traders and other commuters.Residents also criticised govt and elected representatives, alleging that no effective measures had been taken to find a lasting solution despite repeated erosion in the area.“The erosion has been continuing for a long time, but neither the government nor the public representatives have taken any effective permanent measures. We are being forced to live with the constant fear of losing our homes, roads and public infrastructure,” resident Kazi Jamir Ahmed said.Residents urged govt to take immediate steps to protect the drinking water project and other infrastructure. They also sought a long-term solution to erosion in the Fakirganj-Airkata area.A Dhubri district Public Health Engineering department official, who did not wish to be named, said the department was aware of the threat to the project but lacked funds to undertake anti-erosion work.
