Fears of losing valuable land to river erosion have prompted urgent calls for government assistance from the Rabi community.
During discussions with villagers during a recent visit, Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh was told of the vulnerability of reclaimed land situated close to the river.
“The land was given to the Rabi community, and they have worked to reclaim it, but because it is close to the river, erosion is now a serious concern,” Mr Singh said.
“They are requesting assistance to build a retaining wall to protect the area.”
In addition to erosion, land security remains a pressing issue, with community members calling for fencing to safeguard the area.
“They want to fence the area, and I have asked my ministry to look into how we can assist them.”
Villagers warned that without swift intervention, sections of the land risk being washed away.
Mr Singh acknowledged the significance of the visit, noting it had been long awaited by the community.
“The community had been asking for me to visit, and I was pleased to finally be there,” he said.
He added that the concerns raised reflected broader challenges faced by rural communities, particularly around land protection and long-term security.
