Treating the Root: Community-Led Response in Combating River Erosion along the Beki
Rafiqul Islam
Disaster Response Volunteer
In the interior of Barpeta district, Balaipathar village, perched on the west bank of the Beki River, is grappling with a crisis that jeopardizes its very survival. Aynul Haque and a few other concerned persons from this determined community, has reached out with a heartfelt plea for assistance. The river, once a vital source of life and sustenance, has transformed into a relentless force of destruction, eroding the village at a distressing pace. Despite their relentless efforts to combat the erosion with makeshift barriers and other defensive measures, the recent severe floods have rendered these attempts ineffective. As government aid remains entangled in bureaucratic red tape, the situation grows increasingly dire. Some villagers have been displaced, finding temporary refuge on elevated platforms, while others have fled to distant locations in search of safety.
Originating from the Himalayan foothills of Bhutan, the Beki River carves its path through Assam’s Barpeta district, shaping the region’s landscape and livelihood. As a vital right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, which borders the district to the south, the Beki nourishes the fertile plains, sustaining agriculture and supporting local communities through its essential irrigation. However, the river also brings a dual threat. Every monsoon, its waters swell, unleashing devastating floods that destroy homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced. Year-round, the Beki’s meandering flow causes severe erosion, forcing many families to migrate as their lands are swallowed by the river.
These displaced families often face hardships in resettling, leading to new social tensions. Some, driven by necessity, encroach on government or restricted lands, sparking disputes over land ownership and ethnic conflict. Evictions are frequent, exacerbating communal disharmony and fostering a sense of insecurity among the displaced populations. Thus, the Beki River, while a lifeline for many, also remains a source of hardship and discord for the communities along its banks.
In 2022, Barpeta faced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall and the release of water from the Kurichu Dam by Bhutan, affecting about 5 million people. Humanitarian Aid International (HAI), in its Assam Flood Response 2022, partnered with Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad (AGUP), a grassroots NGO, to tackle the recurring problem of river erosion, a significant issue along the Beki River. The overall objective of the project was to support the affected communities with early recovery and disaster risk reduction interventions. With limited funding, a pilot project for erosion control was initiated, employing a simple method called bamboo screening. This technique was considered suitable after extensive study and consultation with experts in riverbank stabilization.
In the early stages of considering bamboo as a solution for river erosion, the project faced significant skepticism from the local community. The idea of using bamboo screening to protect the banks of the Beki River seemed awkward to many residents, who had already witnessed the failure of erosion control schemes of other agencies. Convincing the community to trust in this seemingly simple and low-tech solution was a formidable challenge.
An elderly villager, whose house was on the verge of being swallowed by the river, openly expressed his doubts. “It is impossible,” he remarked, reflecting the widespread disbelief. For him and many others, the idea that bamboo – seen as fragile and easily breakable – could withstand the powerful currents of the Beki River was beyond comprehension. The community’s experience with the failure of more sophisticated concrete structures only deepened their skepticism. If seemingly robust methods had failed, how could bamboo, an everyday material, succeed?
This skepticism was multiplied by suspicions surrounding the traditional project implementation. Some villagers believed that the bamboo screening was just a cover for financial mismanagement or an attempt to misappropriate funds under the guise of a “nonsense plan.” Rumours spread that the project was merely a show, lacking real substance or intention to bring change.
Despite these challenges, the reputation of Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad (AGUP), HAI’s local partner, played a pivotal role in winning over the community. AGUP had a longstanding presence in the area and had built trust through its previous work, which helped ease the villagers’ concerns. Even though the community remained skeptical, the respect and credibility AGUP had earned over the years persuaded many to give the bamboo screening method a chance.
Gradually, as the bamboo screening was installed and early signs of success became visible, the community began to shift from disbelief to cautious optimism. The once formidable task of convincing people gave way to a collective sense of hope, demonstrating the power of trust and community involvement in driving innovative, sustainable solutions for disaster mitigation.
The bamboo screening method involved using 7-meter bamboo poles, half of which were driven underground using hydraulic boring technology to anchor them securely and prevent them from being washed away by the river’s currents. To ensure stability, five bamboo poles were used per meter, and two highly vulnerable sections of the riverbank were covered. It was small work spanning 1,104 running meters.
The results became visible within a month. At the Kalampur point, where a local school and a vital village passage were at risk, the bamboo screening successfully protected both from erosion. Similarly, at the Jania-Daukmari point, a significant portion of the village and its habitation were safeguarded and even reclaimed from the river’s encroachment. The success of this initiative led to increased siltation, which further stabilized the area, inspiring local communities to adopt the bamboo screening method as a sustainable solution to river erosion. This approach not only demonstrated the potential of low-cost, eco-friendly methods in disaster risk reduction but also fostered community participation and resilience against the destructive force of river erosion.
To advance its efforts in combating river erosion, Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) adopted a Survivor-cum-Community-Led Response (SCLR) approach, which emphasizes empowering local communities to take an active role in their own disaster mitigation efforts. This approach seeks to strengthen resilience by supporting community-led initiatives, ensuring that the people most affected by erosion are at the centre of the solution, rather than relying solely on external interventions.
HAI’s local partner, Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad (AGUP), played a crucial role in identifying additional vulnerable points along the river where communities were struggling with the destructive impact of erosion. Through this localized assessment, three more highly susceptible areas were targeted: Shawrachara (West Bank), Daukmari (upper part), and Kasukati. These areas had been facing severe erosion threats, jeopardizing homes, farmlands, and essential infrastructure.
Building on the successful pilot of bamboo screening, the method was replicated in these new locations with similarly remarkable results. Community members were involved in the process from planning to implementation, making it a truly participatory and empowering experience. Bamboo screening, using the same method of securely anchoring bamboo poles underground, was deployed to stabilize the riverbanks.
The outcomes were transformative. In Shawrachara, the West Bank saw significant reductions in erosion, saving valuable agricultural land. In Daukmari (upper part), where erosion had previously threatened large parts of the village, the community successfully protected their homes and farmland. Kasukati experienced a similar improvement, with the river’s destructive force effectively mitigated. The visible success of these projects further popularized the bamboo screening technique, inspiring other villages along the Beki River to adopt the method.
The community-driven nature of this initiative not only addressed the immediate challenge of river erosion but also fostered a sense of ownership and resilience among the residents. The SCLR approach ensures that these vulnerable communities are not passive recipients of aid but are empowered to lead their own response, thereby building long-term sustainability and preparedness against future disasters.
