GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government will formulate a comprehensive, science-based, long-term strategy to tackle the persistent problem of riverbank erosion, with active involvement from experts at IIT Guwahati.
He made the announcement while visiting erosion-affected areas of Dibrugarh district on the first day of a four-day tour of Upper Assam, inspecting sites in Pukhurijan and interacting with affected residents.
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During the visit, Sarma also reviewed erosion-prone stretches in Balijan, Pukhurijan, Dinjan and Rahmoria, where protective works are already underway.
While the Water Resources Department has been running short-term erosion control measures, Sarma acknowledged that the scale and recurring nature of erosion caused by the Brahmaputra calls for a more scientific, sustainable approach.
The Chief Minister revealed that the department has already proposed a Rs 90 crore erosion mitigation project for the affected areas, which will be strengthened with technical expertise from IIT Guwahati to ensure durable protection of vulnerable riverbanks.
He said he would soon hold a meeting with IIT experts and professors in Guwahati to chart out this long-term plan.
Sarma reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, assuring residents that all efforts would be made to address river erosion holistically. He also inspected Oil India Limited's drilling operations in the region during the same visit.