Dibrugarh (Assam): The 128-year-old Chaulkhowa Jama Masjid in Dibrugarh was demolished to pave the way for a critical drainage project aimed at addressing the town’s persistent waterlogging issues, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The demolition, which took place on Monday, is part of a broader initiative to construct and upgrade a drainage system from Bokul to the Sessa Bridge, a vital component of Dibrugarh’s flood mitigation plan.
Jay Vikas, Commissioner of the Dibrugarh Municipal Board, emphasised that the process adhered to all legal procedures, including land acquisition, with compensation for the acquired land currently being processed.
“We followed due process and received cooperation from the local community. Claims circulating on social media suggesting the mosque was forcibly demolished are baseless,” Vikas clarified, extending gratitude to residents for their understanding and support.
Liaquat Ali, president of the Chaulkhowa Jamat Committee, affirmed that the mosque’s demolition was a mutually agreed-upon decision.
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“This step was taken in the larger interest of the town. The new drainage system is crucial for mitigating floods and improving urban infrastructure,” he stated.
The upgraded drainage channel, connecting Bokul to the Sessa River, is expected to significantly alleviate waterlogging in Dibrugarh, a flood-prone region and the district headquarters.
The project is seen as a major stride toward improving the quality of life and urban resilience in the town.
