Sarbananda Sonowal inspects embankment construction work in Kaziranga

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inspected the construction work of embankment by Water Resource department from Morihula to Agoratoli Range as a protection measure for Kaziranga National Park (KNP). While surveying the work, he directed the department to complete the embankment project within May 30.

The embankment project, funded by Asian Development Bank, would cover a total length of 23.38 kms and with a width of 7.5 m would protect the KNP from floods and erosion. During the visit, Water Resource Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Mrinal Saikia and Bimal Bora, DC and SP Golaghat, SDO (C) Bokakhat accompanied the Chief Minister along with top officials of Water Resource Department.

Later talking to the media, the Chief Minister informed that even though embankment work could not be started on time due to COVID-19 lockdown, State government had started the construction work of embankments so that all these projects could be completed by May 30. In view of the impending floods from the month of June, the State government was taking all steps to complete the embankment construction works within this month. He opined that if the projects were completed on time, a lot of people and their farming lands would be saved from the devastation caused by major rivers.

He also said that the State Government was according top priority to safeguard the wild animals of Kaziranga during floods and for that he was taking firsthand account of the progress of embankment construction works. Thanking the media persons for their role in the fight against COVID-19, he also thanked Prime Minister for announcing Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package for reenergizing India's economy in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic and said that State government would continue to strive for Assam's economic development. A press release stated.