Assam Flood: Ferry connectivity to Majuli suspended after water level rises
Guwahati, July 20
Assam's flood situation further disrupted connectivity to river island Majuli on Monday as the Inland Water Transport Department suspended all ferry services between Majuli and Jorhat indefinitely following a sharp rise in the Brahmaputra's water level, officials said.
A senior government official stated that the suspension was ordered after ferry ramps at Kamalabari and Aphalamukh ghats were submerged due to rising floodwaters, making navigation unsafe.
The department said ferry operations would remain suspended until river conditions improve and safety can be ensured.
The Ro-Pax ferry service between Majuli and Nimati Ghat had already been suspended since Sunday owing to deteriorating river conditions.
With the latest order, all ferry services operating from Kamalabari and Aphalamukh have been halted, severely affecting transport between Majuli, the biggest district island in the country, and the mainland. Officials said the ramps at both ferry terminals were completely submerged, while the approach road leading to Aphalamukh Ghat was washed away by floodwaters, snapping access to the jetty.
The suspension has disrupted the movement of thousands of daily commuters, students, traders and patients who depend on ferry services for travelling between Majuli and Jorhat.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and wait for official notifications before planning river crossings.
The IWT Department said the decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure in view of the strong river currents, submerged infrastructure and floating debris in the Brahmaputra, which pose serious risks to ferry operations.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the flood situation deteriorated significantly, with one person reported dead in Sivasagar district.
The latest casualty has taken the flood-related death toll in the state this year to five.
ASDMA data showed that more than 57,100 people have been affected across Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts. The number of affected people has risen sharply from around 24,000 recorded a day earlier.
Charaideo remains the worst-affected district, with nearly 24,000 people impacted, followed by Dhemaji, where over 22,000 residents are affected. Dibrugarh has reported more than 4,000 affected people, while floodwaters have also affected parts of Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri.
— IANS
Reader Comments
😢 Every monsoon it's the same story for Assam. My heart goes out to the 57,000 affected people. The government should have a contingency plan for ferry operations during floods. Relying solely on ferries and then suspending them without alternative transport options just leaves people stranded.
Safety first, no doubt. But suspending all services without a backup arrangement for patients and emergency cases is concerning. The ramps being submerged and approach road washed away shows how vulnerable infrastructure is. We need climate-resilient planning, not just temporary fixes every year.
I visited Majuli last year during a trip to India. Such a serene island with rich culture. Seeing this news breaks my heart. Hope the people stay safe and the situation improves soon. The authorities should also consider setting up temporary boat services for emergencies.
I understand the safety concerns, but stopping ferry services completely without a plan for alternative transport is unfair to daily commuters. Students, patients, traders all suffer. Why can't the government deploy some smaller, more maneuverable boats for essential travel? Just a thought...
The Brahmaputra is unforgiving during monsoons. Having lived in Assam for years, I know these suspensions are necessary for safety. However, the authorities should have a proper communication system to inform people in advance and also arrange for emergency medical evacuations. At least 5 deaths already this year.
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