Agartala, 31st August 2026 : Years of unchecked riverbank erosion have put a vital road connecting Ajagartila and Charganaki areas of Khowai subdivision at serious risk, with nearly 500 metres of the riverbank reportedly affected.
According to local residents, the erosion has gradually eaten away at the village’s main road, with a sizeable portion now collapsing towards the river. The deteriorating condition has made the movement of heavy vehicles increasingly dangerous and raised concerns over the movement of ambulances, fire service vehicles and school buses.
Villagers said a concrete embankment reinforced with boulders was constructed along the riverbank in 1979, covering the stretch from near Gungraichhara Bridge to the Paharmura water pumping station. However, the structure was damaged over the years and, they alleged, no permanent reconstruction was undertaken. Residents claimed that the problem has remained largely unresolved for nearly 47 years.
Locals have also alleged that prolonged sand extraction from the river has contributed to the worsening erosion. They claimed that sand extraction machinery has been installed at both ends of the vulnerable stretch. Although the operators reportedly maintain that they possess valid permits, villagers argue that continued extraction is affecting the river’s natural flow and weakening the banks.
The road is also used daily by students of a government school and a private school in the area. Residents fear that further erosion could eventually sever road connectivity and disrupt the movement of people and essential services.
Villagers further alleged that temporary measures, including the dumping of boulders during periods of severe erosion, have failed to provide lasting protection. They have questioned the quality of the materials used and called for proper monitoring of erosion-control works.
Residents have appealed to various government departments for a permanent solution. They are now demanding a scientific survey of the approximately 500-metre vulnerable stretch between Gungraichhara Bridge and the Paharmura water extraction centre, followed by the construction of a durable embankment reinforced with heavy concrete boulders.
The villagers have also urged the Khowai Block administration and concerned departments to intervene immediately, warning that further delay could lead to a complete breakdown of road connectivity in the area.
