Dibrugarh: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Monday launched a 12-hour hunger strike at Poolbagan in Dibrugarh, protesting what it termed the lackadaisical approach of the Water Resources Department in carrying out anti-erosion measures along the Brahmaputra. The hunger strike began at 6 am and is scheduled to continue till 6 pm. Several AASU members from across Dibrugarh district participated in the protest, demanding immediate resumption and acceleration of anti-erosion works in vulnerable stretches.
AASU leaders alleged that anti-erosion work from Maijan to Bogibeel has remained stalled for the past week without any explanation. “Every year people lose their land due to erosion, yet the work meant to protect them is moving at a very sluggish pace,” an AASU member said, adding that erosion has become a serious and recurring threat for residents of Dibrugarh. The student body claimed that the Brahmaputra has been steadily encroaching on inhabited areas, making erosion a long-pending and unresolved issue. “We have been raising this concern on every platform, but the response has been disappointing,” the leader added.
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AASU members also criticised the local MLA, alleging inaction on the ground. “He visits only during the rainy season and claims Dibrugarh is safe, but the reality is different. Every year land is washed away,” they said. Highlighting the urgency, AASU leader Tanuj Haloi said strengthening the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) dyke is essential to safeguard residents from floods and erosion. He added that geo-bags alone have failed to check erosion and called for scientific, long-term solutions to protect the town from the Brahmaputra’s fury.
