CHAPAR, Nov 11 ? The river Manas is creating havoc in the southern part of North Salmara subdivision in Bongaigaon district. Since the last few years, the river has been changing its course frequently and swallowing in the process nearby villages along with vast paddy fields.
This year the river has badly affected Dubachuri, Kushbari, Sikatari, Hafachara, Madhufal and the adjacent areas. The people of this area have shifted to the safer places, though a large number of people, especially from the poorer section, are still living on the river banks as they have to depend on the paddy fields for their livelihood. But the living has become risky for them as in the rainy season. The river overflows suddenly and washes away all the houses on the banks by flash flood.
Half of the Dubachuri village is lost to the river in last two years. The village was reputed for big ponds, chilli producing fields and vegetables. Moreover Sikatari village which was once rich in sugarcane production, and produced huge amount of firri rice in the last few years was completely eroded this year. The remaining paddy fields adjacent to the river banks have become totally barren and sandy.
As most of the people of the area are farmers, the changing course of the river has posed serious concern to the total economic output of the area. The landless farmers are earning their meals by pulling thelas and rickshaw in the nearby towns like Abhayapuri, Goalpara, Jogighopa, Lengtisinga etc. As a result rice production of the area, has got a blow.
The last flood of the river badly damaged the surface communication of the area. The area is poor in surface and telecommunication and the flood has added to the woes of the people. Kushbari market which is the centre of this area has been isolated from people. At present, the market is connected with three long bamboo bridges from three sides. But these bamboo bridges are also causing great risk for the two-wheelers and pedestrians.