Assam: Gadkari, Sonowal lays foundation of Majuli anti-erosion projects
Majuli
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of Protection of Majuli Island from Flood and Erosion, Construction of Brahmaputra Board Complex and Water Resources Department projects by Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari at Rawnapar, Majuli.
The scheme, worth Rs 233.57 crore, was framed by the Brahmaputra Board after taking into account the recommendations of a high-level expert committee of the Central Government. The members of the committee visits the island at least twice a year to monitor anti-erosion measures, official sources said here. As part of the scheme, riverbank revetment work will be carried out with sand- or earth-filled geo bags in 14 locations.
Central and State Governments have taken up several schemes to protect Majuli from flood and erosion of Brahmaputra. We are committed to protect and promote the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Majuli. All-round and faster development of the river island is our Government’s top priority, said the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitin Gadkari for ushering in new era of development in Assam.
On the occasion, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off the regular cargo transportation through Inland Waterways from Pandu to Dhubri/Hatsingimari on River Brahmaputra. DPR of Brahmaputra Express Highway was also presented by officials
Majuli district, with an area of 1245 sq km, includes the main Majuli Island, a large number of smaller islands, some of which are inhabited, and the Brahmaputra River up to its south bank touching Jorhat and Sibsagar districts. Although measures were taken by the Assam Government in the past, the problem of erosion and flood remained largely uncontained, Brahmaputra Board sources said.
