Posted on December 12, 2024
An excavation project aimed at addressing the severe depletion of water levels in the Brahmaputra River was launched in Assam’s Dhubri.
As part of the operation, four boats from Bangladesh arrived, carrying essential materials and equipment for dredging the riverbed. The dredging work, managed by Dharti Dredging, involves 13 personnel, though the boats have encountered difficulties, becoming stuck in the river’s main channel.
These boats, which reached Dhubri about 15 days ago, were facilitated by Zahidur Alom, a prominent CNF agent at Dhubri Port, who played a crucial role in ensuring the timely arrival of the dredging equipment.
While their mission has been temporarily hindered, the crews are awaiting the riverbed’s clearance to resume their journey and complete their task. The dredging operation, which aims to restore the Brahmaputra’s navigability and support trade activities, is expected to be completed within a month.
Their immobility highlights the critical condition of the Brahmaputra, which has shrunk drastically, resembling a drain rather than the mighty river it once was. River transportation has come to a halt, disrupting trade, local commerce, and daily life for thousands. Fishermen, boat operators, and small businesses reliant on the river’s connectivity have faced immense hardships.
The Brahmaputra, once a lifeline for the region’s trade and livelihood, has now been reduced to a narrow waterway resembling a drain.
The critical dredging operation has been undertaken by Dharti Dredging and Infrastructure, Mumbai, following a contract awarded by the Dredger Corporation of India. To carry out the project efficiently, three new dredgers were imported from China and assembled in Bangladesh. They were brought to deepen the riverbed and restore its navigability within a month.
To address these pressing issues, the dredging operation is being conducted with urgency. By clearing accumulated silt and restoring the river’s depth, authorities hope to revive the boat movement and ensure the river once again supports the region’s economy and ecology. Many believe that this initiative will not only restore the Brahmaputra’s vitality but also pave the way for future collaborations to manage and preserve the river system.
As the dredging continues, authorities and stakeholders are determined to see the Brahmaputra return to its former glory—a thriving artery of trade, transportation, and life for the people of Assam and beyond.
