**Executive Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding erosion and land loss in Majuli Island. A study from 1986-2023 showed significant erosion and deposition along the Brahmaputra River. The Brahmaputra Board has implemented and planned erosion protection measures, and is also working with INTACH on a comprehensive policy for riverine islands.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Erosion Study Findings:**
* A study by the Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, analyzed satellite imagery from 1986 to 2023.
* 75 sq. km of land has been eroded from Majuli Island.
* 58 sq. km has witnessed sediment deposition.
* Continuous erosion was observed near the Subansiri-Brahmaputra confluence, particularly in Major Chapori NC.
* Major deposition occurred between Ratanpur Miri Gaon and Kathal Khowa Pam.
* The Kamala Bari region eroded initially but deposited sediment between 2018 and 2023, including 27.47 Sq. km between 2021 and 2022.
* **Erosion Protection Measures:**
* The Brahmaputra Board has implemented protection works since 2004, including:
* Immediate Measures (Completed Jan. 2004 to Feb. 2005): ₹6.22 Cr.
* Phase-I (Completed March 2005 to April 2011): ₹56.07 Cr.
* Emergent Works (Completed 2008): ₹4.99 Cr.
* Phase-II/III (Completed March 2018): ₹115.99 Cr.
* Phase-IV (Completed 2024): ₹233.57 Cr.
* Phase-V of protection project commenced at an estimated cost of ₹56.34 Cr., focusing on critical stretches using PSC Porcupines.
* **Long-Term Strategy:**
* The Brahmaputra Board, with INTACH, is conducting a study to formulate a policy for riverine islands in the Brahmaputra River, including Majuli Island.
* This strategy will be policy-driven and community-inclusive for sustainable management.
**Impact Analysis:**
* **Majuli Island Residents:**
* *Impact:* Improved erosion protection and a long-term management strategy aim to safeguard land and livelihoods.
* *Action Required:* Participate in community-inclusive policy development and be aware of ongoing protection projects.
* **Brahmaputra Board:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for implementing erosion protection works and collaborating with INTACH on a comprehensive policy.
* *Action Required:* Continue implementing protection projects, collaborate with INTACH, and consider community input for policy development.
* **Government of India (Ministry of Jal Shakti):**
* *Impact:* Oversees and funds erosion control and management efforts in Majuli and other riverine islands.
* *Action Required:* Continue providing financial support and monitor the progress of erosion protection and policy development.
* **INTACH:**
* *Impact:* Collaborates with the Brahmaputra Board to formulate policy for riverine islands in the Brahmaputra River.
* *Action Required:* Actively collaborate with the Brahmaputra Board, conduct comprehensive research, and help develop community-inclusive and sustainable policy.
Key Entities Referenced
Majuli Island: A large river island in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, that has been subject to significant erosion.
Brahmaputra River: A major river in Asia that flows through India and Bangladesh; its erosion patterns are a key concern in the context of Majuli Island.
Subansiri River: A tributary of the Brahmaputra River; its confluence with the Brahmaputra is identified as a vulnerable erosion zone.
Kamalabari: A location on Majuli Island, Assam, identified as a particularly vulnerable erosion zone.
Brahmaputra Board: An organization responsible for implementing flood mitigation and erosion protection works on Majuli Island.
Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune: A research institution that conducted a study on erosion in Majuli Island for the Brahmaputra Board.
Assam: A state in India where Majuli Island is located, and therefore significantly impacted by the erosion issues.
INTACH: An organization collaborating with the Brahmaputra Board on a study for riverine islands in the Brahmaputra River.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1910
ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025
EROSION AND LAND LOSS IN MAJULI ISLAND
1910. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the findings of the recent study on erosion in Majuli Island
which reports a loss of 75 sq. km of land and deposition of 58 sq. km along the Brahmaputra since 1986
and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the study has identified the Subansiri-Brahmaputra confluence and Kamalabari as
particularly vulnerable erosion zones and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the specific protection and restoration measures being planned or implemented to address erosion in
these critical zones; and
(d) whether the Government is considering a long-term, community-inclusive erosion management
strategy for Majuli and other similarly affected riverine islands in Assam and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) & (b) Yes, a desk-study namely “Identification of potential erosion sites based on satellite imageries
for Majuli Island along river Brahmaputra, Assam” was entrusted by Brahmaputra Board to Central
Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. The study utilized satellite imagery from 1986 to
2023 to analyze river channel behavior, major changes in bank line positions, and also erosion and
deposition patterns.
As per the study, continuous erosion in the region near the confluence of Subansiri and
Brahmaputra was observed throughout the study period (1986-2023), particularly Major Chapori NC,
extending from Katoni Goan Na Satra to Banpurai. Further, major deposition was observed in between
Ratanpur Miri Gaon to Kathal Khowa Pam, whereas the region around Kamala Bari eroded initially and
deposited during 2018-2023. A significant deposition of approximately 27.47 Sq. km was observed near
Kamala Bari during the period 2021 to 2022. Overall, an area of approximately 75 Sq. km has been
eroded from various parts of Majuli Island, and an area of approximately 58 Sq. km has witnessed
sediment deposition along the banks of the Brahmaputra River within Majuli Island.
1(c) The Brahmaputra Board has implemented the works for the protection of the Majuli Island since
2004. It has executed flood mitigation and erosion protection works in different phases, as mentioned
below:
S. No. Name of Scheme Estimated Cost Remarks
(in Cr)
1. Immediate Measures 6.22 Completed (Jan. 2004 to Feb. 2005)
2. Phase-I 56.07 Completed (March 2005 to April 2011)
3. Emergent Works 4.99 Completed (2008)
4. Phase-II & III 115.99 Completed (March 2018)
5. Protection of the Majuli from 233.57 Completed (2024)
flood and erosion of river
Brahmaputra Phase IV
Recently, Brahmaputra Board has commenced the execution of the project titled 'Protection
of Majuli Island from Flood and Erosion of River Brahmaputra (Phase-V)' at an estimated cost of Rs.
56.34 Cr., aiming to address erosion in above critical stretches of the island. This project primarily
involves the implementation of bank protection measures using PSC Porcupines at multiple vulnerable
locations across Majuli Island.
(d) As per discussion held during 84th Brahmaputra Board meeting, Brahmaputra Board, in
collaboration with INTACH, has taken up a comprehensive study titled "Formulation of Policy for
Riverine Islands in the Brahmaputra River", which covers overs 30 riverine islands, with special
attention to Majuli Island with a policy-driven and community-inclusive approach towards the
sustainable management of erosion-prone riverine islands.
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