Guinness World Records declare Majuli as the largest river island

The Guinness World Records on 1 September 2016 declared Assam's Majuli as the largest river island in the world.

The island is located in the Brahmaputra River.

As per the Guinness World Records, the island lost around one-third of its area in the last 30-40 years due to frequent flooding of the river.

About Majuli

• Majuli had a total area of 1250 square kilometres at the beginning of the 20th century. However, it had lost significantly to erosion.

• It had an area of only 352 square kilometres in 2014.

• The island is formed by River Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north.

• The island is accessible by ferries from the city of Jorhat.

• It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.

• It is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.

Now get latest Current Affairs on mobile, Download # 1  Current Affairs App