Schemes launched to beautify Urpad Beel in Goalpara district

A Correspondent

Goalpara: Foundation stones were laid for several schemes in the last one week to preserve the biodiversity and beautify the Urpad Beel near Agia in Lower Assam’s Goalpara district. On Monday, Assam Soil Conservation and Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma laid the foundation stone of a project worth Rs 1 crore under the SOPD scheme.

“I have been deeply attracted by the scenic beauty of the beel since I was in charge of the forest department. With the implementation of this scheme, the area will help attract the tourists,” said the minister. The minister was accompanied by Rajiv Kumar Borah, additional chief Secretary, AK Rasid Alom, MLA, and Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka.

The Goalpara district administration, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka, has taken strong initiatives to protect and uplift this largest water lake in Lower Assam. “The Chief Minister has taken a great interest in the development of the Urpad Beel and the Goalpara district administration is committed to fulfill his dream,” said the Deputy Commissioner.

A scheme was launched on Tuesday under the MGNREGA worth Rs 31 lakh to improve an earthen bundh from Ulupara to Bholanth Smashan as part of the administration’s greater plan. The Urpad Beel has been under focus since Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in one of his visits, emphasized upon clearing the beel surrounding through eviction. Following his visit, an eviction drive was actually carried out by the administration in and around the beel for its further development.

Besides, the administration has formed a coordination committee with several line departments like agriculture, veterinary, soil conservation, rural development, PWD and sericulture to work upon the improvement project.

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