Aasu Activists Stage 12-Hour Hunger Strike in Dibrugarh
Members of the All Assam Students' Union launched a significant protest in Dibrugarh on Monday. They conducted a twelve-hour hunger strike from 6 am to 6 pm. The demonstration took place in the Phoolbagan area of the city.
Demanding Immediate Protection Measures
The student activists voiced strong demands for immediate anti-erosion work along the Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke. This crucial barrier stretches from Maijan to Bogibeel. Protest leaders expressed serious concerns about the approaching monsoon season.
Dibrugarh Aasu unit president Tanuj Haloi led the protest alongside general secretary Papu Saikia. They criticized what they called extremely slow progress in anti-erosion efforts. Haloi warned about the serious threat facing Dibrugarh during upcoming monsoon months.
"We cannot afford another catastrophic flood and erosion season without adequate protection measures," Haloi stated clearly. He emphasized the urgent need for proper safeguards before heavy rains arrive.
Criticism of Current Methods
The organization strongly criticized the current use of geo bags for erosion control. They called these measures completely ineffective against the powerful Brahmaputra River currents.
Papu Saikia explained their position in detail. "Geo bags have proved to be a total failure in controlling erosion in Dibrugarh," he said. The student leader pointed to past flood incidents as evidence of this failure.
Saikia described how these bags, filled with river silt, simply wash away in strong currents. They sink into the riverbed, making proper verification impossible. The Aasu general secretary made serious allegations about financial irregularities.
"This entire process has become a money-minting machine that lacks any accountability," Saikia claimed. He demanded scientific measures instead of what he called an endless cycle of dumping bags that disappear.
Calls for Expert Intervention
The student organization made specific appeals for expert involvement. They requested intervention from specialists at IIT-Guwahati. The activists want detailed studies conducted to develop sustainable solutions.
Aasu also appealed directly to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. They called upon water resources minister Pijush Hazarika as well. Their demand focuses on implementing long-lasting protective measures for the city.
Strengthening Existing Infrastructure
The protesters presented additional demands regarding existing river structures. They called for strengthening of current river spurs along the Brahmaputra. The existing network includes multiple protective structures.
- 8 stone spurs
- 3 permeable spurs
- 47 wooden spurs
These spurs serve a strategic purpose. They deflect river currents and reduce erosive velocity along vulnerable sections.
The Critical Importance of the DTP Dyke
Tanuj Haloi emphasized the dyke's crucial role in city protection. "The DTP dyke is the only barrier between the Brahmaputra and Dibrugarh city," he explained. The Aasu leader painted a grim picture of potential consequences.
"If this protection fails, the consequences would be devastating for the entire urban area," Haloi warned. He stressed the need for scientific interventions to prevent disaster.
The student activist made a final passionate appeal. "We need a commitment to save Dibrugarh from being wiped off the map by erosion," he concluded. The hunger strike represented their determination to secure this protection before monsoon rains begin.
