What is Majuli Island? Controlling Erosion of Majuli Island-Floating B4 Boat Labs

To safeguard fast-eroding Majuli island- world՚s largest riverine island using government is conducting research on floating Brahmaputra Biodiversity and Biology Boat (B4) labs along Brahmaputra River.

Majuli Island Erosion

What is Majuli Island?

  • Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River and the 1st island district of the country.
  • Formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, a branch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north
  • Island has a total area of 1,250 square km at the beginning of the 20th but not has an area of only 352 square km.
  • Most of the areas has been lost to erosion with Majuli shrunking as the river surrounding it grows.
  • Recognised by Guinness Book of World Records as World՚s Largest River Island.
  • Abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.

Biodiversity Hotspot Majuli Island

  • A wetland, Majuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, with many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds arriving in the winter season.
  • Birds include greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane, and the whistling teal.
  • Island is almost pollution free and the chronic rainfall.

Reason for Erosion of Majuli Island

  • Extensive soil erosion on its banks is due to large embankments built in neighboring towns upriver to prevent erosion during the monsoon season when the river distends its banks.
  • Backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra՚s thus falls on this islet, eroding most of the area.
  • Surveys show that in 15 - 20 years from now, Majuli would cease to exist.
  • The Brahmaputra River Restoration Project- Background on Efforts to Save Island
  • Government has sanctioned ₹ 250 crores for the protection of the island.
  • It is believed that four-lane highway protected by concrete mat along the southern boundary of Majuli and excavation of river bed of the Brahmaputra River can solve the problem.
  • The project includes two flood gates for the Kherkatia suti- a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
  • A nomination sent to the UNESCO for the declaration of Majuli as world heritage site.

Efforts by Local Environmental Activist Jadav Payeng

  • Local environmental activist Jadav Payeng planted 550 hectare forest, known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island.
  • Earlier island was barren sandbars vulnerable to erosion but not has become a lush forest becoming habitat for animals including elephants, tigers, deer, and vultures

Aim of B4 Project

  • Study changes caused by dams, climate change, human interventions, and eventual effects on river eco-system.
  • Constantly monitor impact of various environmental and anthropological factors affecting river
  • Conduct research on mitigating the effects of anthropogenic and natural changes.

The Big Picture

  • Project՚s interdisciplinary plan is developed with IIT Guwahati as the nodal agency.
  • It will study freshwater resources of North East India with integrated approach aimed to combine data, science, and judgement to derive policy decisions.
  • Initially, it will cover region from Pasighat, Dibrigargh, Neemati, Tejpur. and Guwahati in Assam.

Brahmaputra Biodiversity and Biology Boat (B4) Labs

  • B4 boat labs is a large barge (or boat) set up on river and equipped with laboratory and cold storage facilities for holding samples
  • Multiple satellite boats or rafts will venture into shallower and narrower parts of the river to lift samples.
  • The boat will have permanent lab spread over two floors- One floor dedicated to scientists, other accessible to residents to learn about the eco-system.

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021