Since 1953, the Government of Assam has been carrying out flood prevention with earthen embankments and erosion control measures with pro-siltation devices ranging from timber dampeners, land spurs, bamboo cribs and bamboo porcupines. The effectiveness of these measures has been found to be very limited.

The continued havoc of riverbank erosion and chronic flooding in Majuli has made it imperative that an effective road map for long term solutions of flooding and riverbank erosion menace with appropriate engineering measures be adopted immediately for protection of this precious river island. We, the CPGB team, with deep sympathies in our hearts at the miseries of the people of Majuli, are ready to embark on the project enumerated in our proposals to devise a sustainable solution of the flood and riverbank erosion problem of the island. The inhabitants of Majuli are counting on your support. 

Despite the continued ravages of riverbank erosion in Majuli, Kaziranga, Palasbari and Goalpara etc., no scientific assessment has been carried out by the authorities, and no improved engineering measures other than the indigenous bamboo/wooden revetments have been adopted for control of erosion. Haphazard and piecemeal measures used to control riverbank erosion, such as in Majuli in 2019 at an enormous cost of over Rs. 200 Crores continue to fail to provide the desired levels of protection.

Observations were made by Dr. Arvind Phukan, President of CPGB, and his team of experts during numerous visits to the island since the aftermath of 2010 floods till December 2019.  The team also evaluated the bank erosion on the south bank of the river near Neematighat where a portion of the Jorhat-Neematighat Road has been devoured by the river. The progression of riverbank erosion during the nine-year period is alarming and presently remains unabated.