Fate of 4000 families from 40 villages of Golaghat district of Assam depends on Dhansiririver. Dhansiri river basin is one of the most erodible basins in India. Once considered as a Mother by farmers is now causing loss of natural vegetation and resources.

Originating from Laisang peak of Nagaland, Dhansiri is the main river of Golaghat District with a catchment of 1,220 square kilometres. According to the Revenue Department data, around 48270 ha land has been eroded till now in 2389 villages and impacting 119203 families as displaced, with a value of INR 22990 cr.

Balance between the basin and the people living close to it is the need of the hour. Caritas India proposed for the ecological restoration by integrating local coping mechanism and bring long term impact of soil erosion through ecology and ecosystem restoration.

Caritas India under the Ecosystem category had submitted a proposal to HCL Foundation for addressing the environment issues in 40 villages under Golaghat district of Assam. HCL responded positively by selecting Caritas India among 10 best NGOs in India under environment sector.

Four member team of Caritas India accompanied Mr. Abhinab from HCL Foundation to the Golaghat field area for the assessment. Community meeting was organized to have direct interaction with the affected families and the HCL personnel to present the vulnerability of the affected people.

Krishna Subedi, a native village Headman of Podumoni-2 village located at the Dhansiri river bank said “River erosion and occasional flood due to overflow of river water is the major problem of the village”.

Extensive bank erosion and flood in the basin has changed the socio-economic status of the villagers and caused geo-environmental change in the riverine areas of Golaghat district. These hazards posed threat to the local people who lived along the river.

It has been found that the river is widened where it was narrow 40 years ago. Deforestation also aggregated the situation and the danger of river course change is seen in the near future. Initially the land was fertile and produce good harvest but gradually it deteriorated due to unorganized cultivation and hybrid seeds. There is a scope of conserving the wet land (local name Nagajuribil) where rearing of fish is main activity and presently taken care by an SHG.

The proposed sustainable Eco system livelihood approach will enhance the living condition of the people to reduce the environmental degradation. Targeted villages will conserve and promote natural resources through Participatory approach, Capacity building, Demonstration, IEC and Networking / institutional linkages and advocacy with Government.