Geological wonder ‘The Majuli River Island’-A unique Fluvial landform
Majuli Island
Majuli is the world’s largest river island. This picturesque river island is situated on the Brahmaputra River, in Assam. It had toppled Marajo in Brazil to clinch the top spot as the world’s largest river island. In 2016 Majuli became the first island to be made a district in India. It had an area of 880 square kilometers at the beginning of the 20th century, but having lost significantly to erosion, it covers 352 square kilometers as of 2014.
Majuli means land in the midst of two rivers. Brahmaputra River has several islands. Majuli is the biggest among them that is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River. Unfortunately, Majuli is disappearing due to soil erosion and heavy floods that are reducing the size of the island gradually. It is predicted that Majuli Island may disappear in the next 15 to 20 years.
Majuli Island is a fluvial landform or a riverine delta. The island extends for a length of about 80 km and for about 10-15 km north to south direction. It is 85-90 m above the mean sea level. Majuli formed in that stretch of the river where the largest number of tributaries drains out and form their deltas on the Northern and the Southern banks.
The island is bounded by the river Subanisri and her tributaries Ranganadi, Dikrong, Dubla, Chici, Tuni, and others in the North West, the Kherkatia Suli in the northeast, and the main Brahmaputra River in the South and the Southwest. These tributaries usually bring flashy floods with the heavy load of fine silt and clayey sediments and made the island.
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The island today is separated from the mainland of Assam by 2.5 KM. It is approached from Nimati Ghats in Jorhat district by ferry, which is on the south of the island, the other mainland towns in proximity to the island are North Lakhimpur and Dhakuwakhana. The island of Majuli today houses a total of 243 small and large villages.
The Majuli is home to many tribal communities including Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, and Misings. Majuli Island is the biggest attraction for travelers. The sacred island is spectacular views of beautiful wooden boats, the lush green paddy fields, extended water body, spiritual thought, untouched beauty, remote villages, gentle-hearted local people make Majuli one of the favorite holiday destinations.
The best time to visit Majuli is between October and December. Travelers can reach Majuli Island by ferry. Visitors can be arriving at the Guwahati International Airport and then need to reach Jorhat by cab, from where they will take a ferry to reach Majuli. The nearest town to this island is Jorhat, which is well connected by bus, train and even has an airport.
