Assam government inks MOU with Isha Foundation

Assam government and the Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev-led Isha Foundation on Monday inked an MOU for rejuvenation and conservation of rivers.

Assam chief minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Assamese civilization has been spawned by the Brahmaputra and Barak and saving these great rivers is one of the prime objectives of the state government. These rivers are the lifelines of our state and they have been sustaining our economy and colouring our culture with varied hues. We have undertaken initiatives to turn these rivers into valuable resources by managing their waters effectively.”

Assam government’s Environment and Forest Department signed the MOU. Sonowal expressed hope that the state government’s collaboration with Isha Foundation would help in mitigating perennial floods in the state.


Sonowal said that dredging of the rivers Barak and Brahmaputra have been undertaken by the government to rejuvenate the rivers through de-silting for increasing their water carrying capacity.

The chief minister added siltation due to erosion and deforestation is one of the major factors affecting the lives of the rivers, the chief minister stated that the central government has already constituted a cabinet sub-committee to study the problem of flood and erosion in the state and Rs 100 crore has been allotted by the centre for conducting a study of River Brahmaputra.

Vasudev said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given lots of importance to this project. After his meeting to him and listening about his works with “Rally for Rivers” the Prime Minister even promptly constituted a committee for protection of environment.”

Sadhguru said that Assam is fortunate to have its rivers flowing in full spate while rivers in many other parts of the country are dying. Flood mitigation is one of the main components of Rally for Rivers campaign.