Assam to start dredging of Brahmaputra to combat flood,erosion

GUWAHATI: In its fight against flood and erosion, the Assam Government today said it will start dredging of river Brahmaputra to give people relief from the perennial problem.

According to an official release, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a meeting with officials of the Dredging Corporation of India Limited.

"In order to give succour to the people ravaged by perennial floods and erosion, state government with the help of Dredging Corporation of India, will start dredging of river Brahmaputra," Sonowal said.

A survey team was likely to visit Assam in 8-10 days to carry out survey work and based on the findings, an action plan would be prepared for dredging on an annual basis, he said.

Dredging would primarily emphasise on erosion control, sediment management and flood control and the whole process would be carried out in line with the hydrological character of the Brahmaputra, the statement said.

Considering the annual silt load of Brahmaputra, water carrying capacity of the river has been reduced to an extent causing floods in the state when there was incessant rains.

"Since the Brahmaputra serves as the life line of the people of Assam, the river has to be harnessed to serve our people," Sonowal said.

The area of dredging would be from Sadiya to Dhubri and a broad road map would be put in place for dredging, he added.