Assam-Meghalaya CMs’ meet: Decisions taken to erect border pillars, resolve flood problem

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma on Monday discussed three primary issues of the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, Guwahati flash floods and power & irrigation projects. The CMs were engaged in a discussion at State Guest House, Koinadhara, and both agreed to resolve the issues through trust, mutual understanding and a friendly atmosphere.

After the meeting both CMs addressed the media. During his interaction with media persons, CM Dr Sarma said that a decision was taken to erect pillars on the Assam-Meghalaya border in five of the six contentious points, which have been resolved through talks. The erection of the pillars will be completed by August. The Pilingkata point has been resolved, but the Meghalaya government has asked for a realignment in two/three villages, and the CM said he has agreed to this. In the remaining six points of dispute at Block I & II, Psiar-Khanduli, Borduar, Longwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah and Langpih, discussions would continue.

Regarding the urban flash floods in Guwahati, the CM said that a decision was taken to obtain a satellite image from Northeast Satellite Appliance Centre (NESAC) on the routes through water flows from Meghalaya to Assam within a period of three months. The satellite image and a report would be sent to IIT, Roorkee, and they will provide a solution to the problem. Then both neighbouring governments will decide on ways to implement the action plan. There are three points through which water flows into Assam from the Meghalaya hills. But the main problem is that the Meghalaya hills are on private property, so it will not be easy for the Meghalaya government to sort it out.

The CM also said that a 55 MW power and irrigation project will be jointly set up by Assam and Meghalaya. The irrigation project will be utilised by Assam to irrigate agricultural land in Kamrup and Goalpara districts. Before starting the project, the government will consult the local people.

Addressing the media, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma said that problems and challenges will be there, but they have to be resolved with an open mind. He said, “We are close to erecting the pillars in the resolved areas. After the agreement regarding the Pillingkata area, some minor issues have cropped up. We asked the Assam government to sort out these issues, and they have agreed.”

Regarding the flash floods in Guwahati, CM Sangma said that the floods are a major concern, and they have witnessed the severity of the problem. This does not only affect Guwahati but also has an impact on the economic activities of Meghalaya. He said, “To minimise the problem, we held discussions on it today. We have to always work together to solve the problems of both states. There is a strong friendship between both states.”

Regarding the Kulsi project, CM Sangma said it will be a win-win situation for both states, as Meghalaya will get the power from the hydel project and Assam will get the water for irrigation.

Also Read: Meghalaya CM to Meet Assam CM on Interstate Border Dispute After Elections

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