Brahmaputra River Water Levels Drop Drastically, Alarming Assam Residents
The Brahmaputra River, often regarded as Assam’s lifeline, is witnessing an unprecedented decline in water levels, creating a crisis for local communities and authorities alike. In the Chalakura area of Dhubri district, the once-majestic river has dwindled to resemble a narrow, drain-like channel, a sight causing widespread concern.
Neighboring regions such as Hatsingimari, Jaleshwar, and Fakirganj are grappling with severe challenges stemming from the low water levels. The situation has disrupted transportation, forcing boat operators to halt journeys mid-river. Passengers are left with no choice but to walk across exposed, shallow stretches before continuing their travels.
Boats, often burdened with passengers or goods, now struggle to navigate as their hulls scrape against the riverbed. This year’s water level drop in the Brahmaputra, locally called the Luit, has been far more severe than in previous years, leaving communities deeply affected.
In some areas, the Brahmaputra’s width has reduced to less than 50 meters, and its expansive riverbed now resembles a desert. Experts attribute this alarming phenomenon to multiple factors, including upstream activities that may have altered the river’s natural flow.
The crisis extends beyond transportation, jeopardizing the livelihoods of those who depend on the Brahmaputra for fishing, agriculture, and trade. The communities, already reeling from the river’s retreat, are calling for immediate interventions to address the crisis and restore the river’s vitality.
The Brahmaputra, a symbol of life and resilience in Assam, now serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by environmental changes and human interference. Swift action is essential to mitigate the hardships faced by these communities and to safeguard the river’s future as a source of sustenance and inspiration for the region.
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