GUWAHATI: Already reeling under flood and rapid erosion, Majuli residents are now witnessing thieves running away with the protective geo bags. An incident of theft has been reported from the office of the chief executive engineer, water resources department in Majuli on Tuesday, March 22. A total of 600 geo bags worth Rs 6 lakh have been stolen from the office in Majuli. Incidentally, the bags were supplied just a day ago by a contractor, say reports.
Made out of woven polyester and polypropylene fabrics, geo bags are used for the protection of riverbanks from severe erosion and scouring.
The theft has created public uproar in Majuli as the bags are meant to be used to fight soil erosion at river banks. An FIR about the stolen geo bags has been filed at the Garmur Police Station by the Chief Executive Engineer.
"This is very unfortunate. We are already facing so many problems. Our lands have been lost due to erosion. We have come to know from the engineer that geo bags worth Rs 6 lakh have been stolen. The theft of geo bags will create problems for areas that need immediate attention," said a concerned Majuli resident.