MAJULI, ASSAM, INDIA: A GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

          The island of Majuli is situated at the bosom of three river systems, i.e, Subansiri, Kherakhutia suti and the main Brahmaputra . Majuli forms the part of the floodplains of Brahmaputra river, thereby continuously facing serious problems of bank line erosion which has posed a threat to its rich cultural heritage and its existence as well. The severity of the problem can be quite specifically be depicted in case of the Majuli island, the largest inhabited riverine island of the world. Previous works from various geomorphologists reveal that the rate of bank erosion has been increasing at an alarming rate. Therefore, the present study attempts to investigate the state of river bank erosion and few necessary measure needed to be implemented for the recovery from this threat be coupled with improvement of rice production in the region, thus to reduce food insecurity within inhabiting population.

           The island of Majuli is formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north.. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city —Guwahati. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit . Majuli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.

           Majuli, is situated between 26⁰45′ N to 27⁰12′ N Latitude and 93⁰39′ E to 94⁰35′ E Longitude (Map 1). The total area of Majuli , the riverine landmass, in the year 2010 covers a total area of about 521.52 km2. The mean height of the area is around 77.5 metre above MSL. Geologically, Majuli is a part of the great alluvial tract of the Brahmaputra river and geomorphologically it forms a part of the Brahmaputra floodplain. Being an active floodplain, the presence of alluvial features such as natural levees, crevasses, splay deposits, point bars, channel bars etc are significant.

           Originally, the island was a narrow and long piece of land called “Majoli” (land in the middle of two parallel rivers) that had Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south, till they met at Lakhu. Frequent earthquakes in the period 1661–1696 set the stage for a catastrophic flood in 1750 that continued for 15 days, which is mentioned in historical texts and reflected in folklore. As a result of this flood, the Brahmaputra split into two anabranches—one flowing along the original channel and the other flowing along the Burhidihing channel and the Majuli island was formed. The Burhidihing's point of confluence moved 190 km east and the southern channel which was the Burhidihing became the Burhi Xuti. The northern channel, which was previously the Brahmaputra, became the Luit Xuti. In due course, the flow in the Luit Xuti decreased, and it came to be known as the Kherkutia Xuti; and the Burhi Xuti expanded via erosion to become the main Brahmaputra River.

           Majuli is culturally as well as naturally rich island in the world. Rich biodiversity and colourful culture of the satra always attracts the tourist to Majuli. The people found in the Majuli are normally schedule cast and schedule tribe people. The schedule tribe population in the area is 44 % whereas schedule cast is  14% and other people are 42% . The main occupation of these people are normally  primary occupation such as  cultivation , rearing. Now river bank erosion is posing a burning problem to the people of Majuli. From the study of the entire area, it is evident that the village Salmora, Sukhunamukh, Upper-Sonowal, Korotipar, Malowal, Ukalchuk villages are continuously facing severe problems of riverbank erosion.

          The literacy rate in Majuli is 73.9 % and among this 57.18 % are male and 39.79% are female. As the area is flood inaunded area people faces different problems in their livelihood. No industrial function has been seen in the area due to different types of disadvantages. 

          The above figure shown the types of main workers in Majuli.  In Majuli 74 % people are cultivator  and 21% are other workers, 3% are house hold industry worker and 2% are agricultural labour respectively. It has been seen that Majuli has strong potentiality to development of tourism industry. People can easily develop the entrepreneurship through tourism as Majuli has huge tourist attraction points.

          The island is under threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighbouring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the monsoon season when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area. According to reports, in 1853, the total area of Majuli was 1,150 km² and about 33% of this landmass has been eroded in the latter half of 20th century. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15–20 years from now, Majuli would cease to exist.

           It is observed that, the area eroded in different time periods and the annual average rate of erosion is different. The annual average rate of erosion in different time intervals are-

Majuli island , the shrinking landmass, is extremely erosion prone area, demands urgent remedies. Every year loss of lives and cropped areas are affected by severe erosion. Bank line migration of the river Brahmaputra and its tributary in Majuli has thus created an acute socio-economic problem in the area. Anti-erosion measures adopted by the Government are proved to be not truly effective.

  Table:   Annual average rate of erosion

Year	Area of Erosion
1972- 2001	6.92 km2 / Year
2001-2004	2.47 km2 / Year
2004-2008	5.48 km2 / Year
2008-2010.	3.34 km2 / Year

 
          






           

        To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned 250 crores for the protection of the island. The water resource department & The Brahmaputra Board are struggling to solve the erosion problem of this island for the last three decade but without much success. Recently it is suggested that a four lane Highway protected by concrete mat along the southern boundary of Majuli & excavation of river bed of the Brahmaputra River, only can solve the problem .This Project, namely The Brahmaputra River Restoration Project is yet to be approved by the Government. However a nomination has been sent to the UNESCO for the declaration of Majuli to be as a world heritage site. The government has initiated the efforts to save Majuli from the ravages of the Brahmaputra. Majuli is currently in the tentative list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and is undergoing scrutiny as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Moreover plantation of porcupines and breaches along the banks may protect the loose banks from the forceful erosive power of the river. Sandbags , large bags of concrete materials, are laid along the highly erosion prone banks of the island is a protective measure.  

         Government adopted various erosion control projects to protect the area and lives of the people. Furthermore the government should take immediate and necessary measures for vulnerability and risk analysis of the area.

          The Brahmaputra river is a mighty river causing various flood, flash flood, river bank erosion and sand casting. Majuli too is not an exception as it durinally suffers these environmental consequences. The grasp of nature has been tormenting the poor inhabitants of the island. After thorough analysis of the results and field survey , it is concluded that the problem of river bank erosion in the area is of serious concern as the people living here are periodically susceptible to loss of life and properties.

         The foregoing study concludes that the position of the study area is severe. Although to completely mitigate the effects of these fluvial processes is not possible, while some remedial measures can be implemented. Thus some suggestions to conquest this fist of nature as well as to minimise the impact of the toll of nature is needed to be implemented. The first and foremost strategy needed to be urged is to develop a strong awareness programme about importance of trees and afforestation. Afforestation reduces soil erosion and as a result flood and bank erosion problems may also be reduced to a certain extent. Approximate soil conservation measures in the upper catchment area to check bank erosion need to be intensified. Involvement of the community will help in achieving success in such measures. The most possible measures for control of flood and bank erosion stated to the construction of dams and taming of rivers. Studies are needed on the rivers and the tributary system.    

        The study findings therefore emphasise on an urgent need to develop an effective spatial plan considering all the aspects of river bank erosion and to protect the heritage site from further engulfing the two river systems.