Jonai Sub-division

From WikiAssam

Jonai is the easternmost sub-division of Dhemaji District, about 554 Km. away from the state capital, Guwahati. Covering a total Geographical area of 1111.81 Sq. Km, it is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Lali & Brahmaputra River in the south, Sipiya river & Sadiya Sub-division of Tinsukia district in the east and Simen in the west. The Head Quarter is located at 95.160 E and 27.770 N.

The Sub-division comprises with one Development Block named by Murkong Selek Tribal Development Block, One Revenue Circle named by Jonai Revenue Circle and 15 Nos. of Gaon Panchayats.

Transportation

Jonai is situated in easternmost side of Assam in the north of Brahmputra river. It is the head quarters of Jonai Sub Division. It is connected by road and rail to the rest of Assam. Direct buses ply from Guwahati, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur, Dhemaji to Jonai. Direct train connects Guwahati via North Lakhimpur, Dhemaji to Jonai. The railway station at Jonai is called Murkongselek(MZS) which is the easternmost point on Indian Railway network. Jonai can also be reached by crossing the Brahmputra at Dibrugarh via steamers and then catch bus or private taxis from the northern bank of Brahmputra at different points according to oneÃ?¢ââ??‰â??¢s convenience Ferry services regularly ply between Dibrugarh to Oriamghat via Jonai Kabu chapari and to Majarbari.

Contributed By Satish K. Sharma <satish.k.sharma@sbi.co.in>

Floods

Jonai known mainly for its floods. Floods were almost non existent two decades ago in the sub division except for a few low lying areas nearing the Brahmputra. But mankind has been the most brazen destroyers of the environment which has resulted in ecological imbalance in the area giving rise to regular floods. We boast ourselves to development(sic) in all areas in this 21st century, but we have forgotten to preserve the most beautiful gift of the nature. Floods snaps communication link (road and rail) to the town every year causing lot of hardship to people. The rivers in the subdivision and Dhemaji district have become shallow due to lot of slits and large sediments it carries from Arunachal Pradesh due to erosion of hills there causing huge devastation by way of sand deposition, after floods. After the confluence the three mighty rivers i.e. Dihing, Dibang and Lohit from their hilly course to the valley, they expert tremendous impact by way of runoff at the eastern most corner of Jonai subdivision making the area vulnerable to annual flooding.

The erosion of hills of Arunachal Pradesh is due to rampant felling of old trees and massive deforestation in the hills which has resulted in change in the ecological system of the area. Devastation by floods and disruption of rail & road communication with the rest of the country for the monsoon months has now become a regular feature.

Contributed By Satish K. Sharma <satish.k.sharma@sbi.co.in>