Majuli - World's Largest Fresh Water Island

Majuli is the largest fresh Water mid-river deltaic island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. Its wide blue sky, Holy River floating across the banks, and beautiful landscape is the best example of God’s creation.

Mājuli had a total area of 1,250 square kilometres (483 sq mi), but having lost significantly to erosion it has an area of only 421.65 square kilometres (163 sq mi) in 2001. This landmass, with a population of 1.6 Lakhs, majority being tribals, has a very rich heritage and has been the abode of Assamese Vashnavite culture with tremendous option for spiritual and Eco-tourism. The island is almost pollution free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall.

The island is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. Mājuli Island is accessible by ferries from the City of Jorhat. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city —Guwahati. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.

Majuli, the heart of the mighty Brahamaputa, is full of different types of plants and animals. It's vast faunal wealth covers more than 100 species of birds and more than 20 reptiles, more than 20 mammals 1000 of insects and lesser forms, nearly 100 types of local fish.

On the floral side it covers more than 1000 species of trees, grasses, creepers, flowers, orchids and other forms of plant-life.

The island is under threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighboring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the monsoon season when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area.

The Union Government of India has sanctioned ₹ 250 crores (US $ 55 million) for the protection of the isle. Majuli Island Protection and Development Council is a non-government organization promoted by the people of Majuli, who are concerned about the conservation and development of the Island.

In the words of Innisfree of W.B Yeats, Majuli is an island- 

"Where peace comes dropping slow,   
Dropping from the veils of the morning,
Here midnights is all a glimmer,
Noon a purple low,
And evening full of the wings of the migratory birds in the winter."

Once you visit this place you will feel like getting touched with heaven and you consider visiting again and again.

                            I don’t claim the information to be my own. The information is compiled from different sources