Eroding Barpeta

Howly, Barpeta district Assam, India: November 26, 2008:

The Barpeta District of Assam, India was carved out of Kamrup District of Assam in July 1983. Mahatma Gandhi visited Barpeta in 1934. So did Jawaharlal Nehru in 1937. This district covers an area of 3245 square K.Ms and is bounded by international border i.e. Bhutan Hills in the North. More about he district can be accessed from http://barpeta.nic.in/District%20at%20a%20glance.htm

This district well known for its culture and agricultural products especially green vegetables, has a life threatening issue which is completely ignored and unreported. Village Barbaradi has population to a total of 12000. In last three years, 3 km land completely submerged about 3 km area. This erosion has left enormous affected peoples life and income. Villagers reported of negligence by the state administration and helplessness.

Manowara Khatun, 25 years house wife shifted her house twice. She is now working as domestic help to feed 7 members her family. An NGO CASA Guwahati has allotted a movable house and the family is taking shelter there. No other organization helped them.

Ratul Pathak, another villager of the same village said that though his house is about 1 km away from the river still is not safe.

Amir Hussain of village Barbaradi Reserve, block Guma Phulbari shifter his house to Bohri after losing all their property worth 1 lakh due to erosion in last 3 years. Earlier they were farmers and now part time daily wage earners. Lack of employment opportunities forced the family of 11 members keep moving from one place to another. Three children in Amir’s family stopped going to school. Amir is 18 years old now. He left study and working as daily wage labour to support his family though his earning of 1500 Rs a month is hardly enough for a human life.

Lokman Hikimi , a 35 years old man has a different ordeal to tell. His seven family members including 3 women and 4 brothers are now daily wage earners though earlier they were well established farmers. They lost property worth 2 lakh INR in erosion. He said that the river has ‘eaten’ all his belongings and peace of mind. Lack of income opportunity dragged him to Guwahati city and faced harassment as suspected ‘illegal migrant’. He regretted that he is left with no option of livelihood. He calls it ‘duel problem’ both in his own area and in Guwahati city. As per his statement 99% of the village boys went to Guwahati in search of job and faced harassment. Many have returned home out of fear.

Hasen Khan is 18 years old boy in a family of 6 members. He said his family has no land to move their house and very soon their house will be into the river. This will damage property worth 2 lakh.

On 13 November, 2008 the villagers marched a procession and submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner requesting urgent action to stop erosion. Villagers received a positive response from government. Deputy Commissioner Fund has allotted 30 lakh INR to build serge. River at the periphery is about 8 mitre deep and boulders are being constantly poured into to create a concrete siege. A village Committee naming Brihottor Dakshinpub Gorakhohonia Pratirodh Sangram Samiti is formed to monitor the overall work. Life in this village is truly a struggle of the survival.

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