Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of a project with a cost of Rs 237 crore for protection of Majuli island from flood and erosion as well as other projects.
The projects have been undertaken by the Assam Government under state plan with financial outlay amounting to over Rs. 300 crores in a programme held at Rawanapar in Majuli.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister expressed confidence that the construction of a Brahmaputra Board Complex at an expense Rs. 40 crore would also help the Board streamline their activities and manage the flood and erosion problem in a big way.
Coinciding the occasion, he also ceremonially flagged off regular cargo transportation through inland waterways from Pandu to Dhubri/Hatsingimari.
The Union Minister reaffirmed that the Central Government is keen to develop Brahmaputra as a major waterway for boosting trade and commerce. This would enable the cargos to ply through Bangladesh till Chitagong port and open sea route for Assam to connect with other important ports of the country.
Gadkari in his speech also called on the State Government to explore ways to develop river tourism in the state. He suggested the government to initiate action for production of bio-ethanol from bamboo taking advantage of huge bamboo plantation of the state.
Appreciating Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for making sincere efforts to develop Majuli and the state, Gadkari said that the Central Government is fully supportive of the State Government’s endeavours to uplift the state’s economy. “Chief Minister Sonowal has fulfilled the promises he made during the election campaign by declaring Majuli as a district”, he said.
Gadkari further mentioned that DPR for the bridge to be constructed from Nimatighat in Jorhat district to Kamalabarighat in Majuli district is being prepared by the state government. Necessary action in this regard would be taken up after receiving the DPR from the Assam Govt.