Assam Government Seeks long-term Measures from Center for Floods

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has urged the Centre to chalk out a dedicated funding strategy for the long-term projects to tackle floods and erosion in the State. This is emphasised as Assam has been bearing the brunt of the twin perennial issues since ages. Among all the NE States, flood-induced infrastructure damage has been the highest in Assam. In this regard, focus has been laid on the proposed NEWMA (North Eastern Water Management Authority) which is slated to have its headquarters in Guwahati.

Sources informed that after due consultations with the stakeholders, the Jal Shakti Ministry has prepared a draft bill on NEWMA. There is also the likelihood of this bill being placed in the Parliament towards the fag end of this year.

After the formation of NEWMA, the Brahmaputra Board in Guwahati will be dissolved. As the apex body, NEWMA will be responsible for developing all water and river-based projects in the region. It will also take care of the conservation aspects of these natural resources.

The Authority will look after the implementation and monitoring of all projects related to flood control, hydro-power, bio-diversity conservation, irrigation, inland waterways, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism in all the eight north-eastern States including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

On March 6, 2020, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, presided over a meeting to discuss draft bill on setting up the proposed Authority. Officials of the Assam Water Resources Department also placed the views of the State government during this discussion.

Also Watch: WATCH: How Assam Villagers Live Under Filthy Water & Muck Literally