Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has vowed to transform Deepor Beel into an important tourist destination.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the first Deepor Beel Mahotsav at Deepor Beel in Guwahati on Sunday, the Chief Minister stressed on promoting ownership amongst people for protecting nature.
“Deepor Beel is our precious national treasure. We will have to strive hard to maintain its heritage and richness. This wetland has been included in the Smart City project to preserve its ecology and transform it into an important tourist destination. The State Government would also take several other measures to develop its tourism potential,” Sonowal said.
Mentioning that Deepor Beel has an intrinsic relationship with Guwahati, the Chief Minister urged the people of the adjoining villages to take the responsibility in upholding the pristine beauty and pleasant environment of the wetland.
“There are 2004 wetlands and 2400 islands of various sizes in the state and they have been playing an important role in maintaining the pollution level and enhancing natural beauty of the state. We have to be very cautious in sustaining green cover of Deepor Beel and the hills surrounding it,” Sonowal observed.
Stating that festivals of this kind draw people closer to nature, the Chief Minister said the relationship with nature inspires mankind towards accomplishment in life.
The great legends of our society were also staunch votary of preservation of nature, he added.
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Water Resources Minister Keshav Mahanta, Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, CEM of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Tankeswar Rabha also delivered speech in the closing ceremony which was presided over by MLA of West Guwahati LAC Ramendra Narayan Kalita.