Agartala, 9th July 2026: Rising water levels in the Gomati River following continuous monsoon rainfall have triggered serious concerns among residents living along the riverbanks in Wards 7 and 8 of Melaghar Municipal Council in Sepahijala district.
According to local residents, riverbank erosion has intensified as the river swells, leaving many families living in fear of losing their homes. They said that every monsoon season, vast stretches of agricultural land and residential areas are washed away by the Gomati River. This year, the situation has worsened with the increase in water levels, forcing several families to dismantle their homes and relocate to safer places.
Residents alleged that they have been demanding the construction of a boulder embankment in the erosion-prone areas for nearly two decades. Following prolonged public protests and appeals, the tender process for an anti-erosion project was initiated around six months ago. However, due to complications related to the tender process, the work has yet to begin.
Locals claimed that the administrative delay has aggravated the crisis. They said that several acres of farmland have already been swallowed by the river, while a number of houses have collapsed into the river and many more remain under imminent threat.
With the monsoon expected to continue, residents fear extensive damage if anti-erosion measures are not implemented immediately. They have urged the authorities to resolve the tender-related issues without further delay and begin riverbank protection work to safeguard lives, homes, and agricultural land.
No official response has yet been received from the district administration or the concerned department regarding the matter.
