Guwahati: Assam Government, IIT Guwahati Sign MoU at Janata Bhawan

Water resources engineers to enrol in online M. Tech programme

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: In a significant step toward strengthening flood and erosion management in Assam, the Water Resources Department (WRD) of the Government of Assam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati today to launch a two-year online part-time M. Tech. programme for engineers of the WRD.

The agreement was formalized at a special ceremony held at Janata Bhawan, Dispur, in the presence of Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika. The MoU was signed between Prof. Sukumar Nandi, Director in charge of IIT Guwahati, and Bhaskar Sharma, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department. As part of this agreement, 20 engineers from the department will be enrolled each year in an online M.Tech programme in Water Resources offered by IIT Guwahati.

This initiative, undertaken with support from the World Bank through the Assam Flood and River Erosion Management Agency (FREMAA), is part of a comprehensive project aimed at equipping the department’s personnel with cutting-edge technical knowledge. Over the next decade, around 200 engineers will benefit from this advanced academic training, which is expected to significantly enhance the department’s capacity to implement innovative flood management solutions.

Speaking at the event, Minister Pijush Hazarika emphasized the importance of continuous learning for professionals engaged in critical sectors such as flood and erosion control. “Just as healthcare professionals update their knowledge through seminars and specialised training, it is essential that our engineers remain informed about emerging technologies to address the highly sensitive and vital challenges of flood and erosion management,” he said.

Highlighting the progress made in recent years, the minister noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Water Resources Department has been operating with an annual budget of around Rs 2,000 crore. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction—estimated at 60 to 70 per percent—in the impact of floods over the last four years.

“Flooding has long been a major obstacle to Assam’s development. While we now have the necessary financial resources, sustainable and long-term solutions depend on the adoption of appropriate technologies,” he added.

Minister Hazarika expressed confidence that this academic collaboration with IIT Guwahati will enhance the department’s technical strength. He also noted that Assam has approximately 4,500 kilometres of embankments, many of which require urgent repair using modern technologies. He stated that the MoU will play a pivotal role in modernizing these efforts.

Reflecting on recent achievements, the minister pointed out that the department has successfully implemented quick embankment repairs using geo-mega tubes, even during the monsoon season—demonstrating the value of adopting technological solutions. He encouraged departmental engineers to take full advantage of this opportunity to bring about a transformative change in flood and erosion management across the state.

The event also featured remarks from Dr. Jeevan B, Chief Executive Officer of FREMAA, as well as from Pavitra Ram Khaound, Secretary of the Water Resources Department. World Bank Global Lead Greg Browder was also present.

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