Agartala, 10th July 2026: A devastating situation has emerged along the banks of the Gomti River in Melaghar Municipality, where around 300 families are facing the threat of losing their homes due to severe river erosion. Continuous rainfall over the past few days has caused the river water level to rise significantly, intensifying erosion in wards number 7 and 8 of the municipality.
Among those affected is Ismail Mia, a resident of Baksibari under ward number 8. Years ago, he built his mud house with dreams of a secure future. At that time, the river was far away from his home. But today, the Gomti has reached his doorstep, threatening to wash away his last remaining shelter.
In a heartbreaking effort to save whatever he can, Ismail Mia has been forced to dismantle his own house with the help of local residents and masons. He is removing doors, windows and other valuable parts of the structure before the river swallows the entire building. This is not the first time he has suffered such a loss; one of his houses was already destroyed by the Gomti earlier.
The crisis has also affected other riverside residents, including Abu Taher Member and Moniruzzaman, whose homes are now on the verge of collapse. Many families in the area are living in constant fear, uncertain whether their ancestral properties will survive another day.Residents have alleged that despite repeated appeals, no permanent solution or adequate government assistance has reached them. They claim the administration has remained silent while the river continues to threaten their existence.
With the Gomti River expanding its destruction, affected families are now waiting for urgent intervention, rehabilitation measures, and immediate steps to protect their homes from further erosion.
