Dibrugarh, Mar 23: Flood and erosion have emerged as the central issues shaping voter sentiment in Dibrugarh ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, with residents demanding a permanent solution to a decades-old crisis.
The historic Upper Assam city has long battled the twin threats of flooding and riverbank erosion. Over the years, the Brahmaputra has steadily encroached on the town, shrinking its landmass and heightening fears among locals.
“This election, flood and erosion will be the main issues. Continuous erosion near Dibrugarh town is a serious concern, and people are urging the government to provide a permanent solution,” said Ranjan Sharma, a resident.
Echoing similar concerns, he added that whichever government comes to power must prioritise the long-pending problem and take concrete steps to resolve it once and for all.
Since 1956, multiple measures have been undertaken to check erosion and flooding, including the construction of dykes, stone and timber spurs, a 10-km dyke stretch from Mijan Mothola to Mohanaghat and Bogibeel, and a 22-km drainage network across the town. However, residents say these efforts have fallen short of providing lasting relief.
The situation remains particularly grim in Maijan, where erosion has intensified over the past year. Fresh incidents since Saturday have triggered panic among residents.
“Erosion has been continuing since yesterday. The water resources department has deployed geo-bags to control it, but these are temporary measures. Governments have come and gone, but the core issue remains unaddressed,” said Raju Chetri, a resident of Maijan.
He further alleged that stronger, science-based interventions are needed to tackle what he described as a “perennial problem,” adding that the sitting MLA has failed to deliver a lasting solution.
While Dibrugarh faces multiple civic and developmental challenges, flood and erosion consistently take centre stage during elections, reflecting their deep impact on everyday life.
Politically, Dibrugarh has seen a shift over the years. Once a Congress stronghold, the seat has been held by the BJP since 2006, when Prasanta Phukan defeated Congress candidate Dr Kalyan Kumar Gogoi. Phukan has retained the seat in successive elections.
In a notable development in this election, Congress has not fielded a candidate from Dibrugarh, leaving the contest to its alliance partner Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP). AJP candidate Manik Patra is set to take on BJP heavyweight Prasanta Phukan.
Political observers note that Patra’s candidature could influence voter dynamics, particularly among Bengali-speaking voters, who are considered a significant factor in the constituency’s electoral arithmetic.
As campaigning gathers pace, the electorate in Dibrugarh appears united on one demand—an effective and lasting solution to the relentless threat posed by the Brahmaputra.
Also Read: Ticket turmoil in Assam BJP: Rebel voices rise, Independent bids loom
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