Assam CM visits erosion hit areas of Biswanath and Lakhimpur districts

A guard wall is being built on the bank of Chatrang river by the water resources department with an expenditure of Rs 5 crore. He also went to Lohitmukh in the district which was affected by the erosion of Brahmaputra river.

While interaction with media persons after visiting erosion hit areas of Buroi river, the Assam Chief Minister said that several hectares of land was lost due to erosion in the State.

“In last seven decades of independence, Narendra Modi was the country’s first Prime Minister who took scientific approach to find out a permanent solution to the flood and erosion problem of the North East. A high level committee constituted by the PM under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog vice chairman recommended for constitution of North East Water Management Authority for tackling the perennial flood and erosion problem of the region. The Central Government would take necessary steps for its implementation in the forthcoming session of the parliament,” Sonowal said.

Moreover, the Assam Chief Minister said that though erosion was a major problem in Assam, it was not considered as a natural calamity in government relief manual. However, the 15th Finance Commission included erosion as a natural calamity, Sonowal said adding that the State Government made a representation to the Commission for this purpose earlier.

He observed that the recent move of the Commission would facilitate flow of substantial amount of fund for erosion protection.

Sonowal also said that the State is presently battling against numerous challenges like storm, COVID-19, Baghjan gas well fire etc.

The Assam Chief Minister appreciated the people of Assam for their patience and resilience at this difficult time.

Water Resources Minister Keshav Mahanta, Handloom & textiles Minister Ranjit Dutta, MP Pallab Lochan Das and MLA Pramod Borthakur were present during the Chief Minister’s visit to the erosion hit sites of Biswanath district.

Later Chief Minister Sonowal reached Bihpuria LAC in Lakhimpur district and visited Dhalpur-Jamuguri check bund no. 2 constructed by the water resources department. He also took stock of erosion-hit Dhunaguri-Chenimora Ghat in the district.

Water Resources Minister Keshav Mahanta, Minister of State (i/c) for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley, MP Pallab Lochan Das and MLA Devananda Hazarika and senior officials of water resources department were present during the Chief Minister’s visit to the erosion hit areas of lakhimpur district.

(By Hemanta Kumar Nath)