Assam Govt to Provide Additional Rs 50 Cr to Repair Embankments of Water Resources

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Government is going to provide another Rs 50 crore to the Water Resources Department for the immediate maintenance and repair of vulnerable embankments in the State.

Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika reviewed works with the senior officials of the Department on Tuesday. Talking to The Sentinel after the review meeting, Hazarika said, "The Government earlier allocated Rs 75 crore for the repair & maintenance of embankments. We took up the matter with the honourable Chief Minister, and he agreed to allocate another Rs 50 crore for the purpose. We'll have Rs 125 crore on this head, and the funds will be allocated division wise.

"These funds are meant for immediate repair and maintenance of embankments(bank of earth). Works of permanent nature will start from November-December this year to complete them in early May next year. The work orders of projects of permanent nature will be issued in September this year.

"Twenty-four embankments were breached in the 2020 floods in the State. Six of the breaches were repaired before the formation of the new government. The officials of the Department were asked to complete the breach repair works soon after the formation of the new government. While 15 breaches of embankments have been repaired, the repair works of three breaches are going on – two in Hojai district and 1 in the KNP (Kaziranga National Park).

"Now the thrust of the Department is on quality of works and the timely completion of the projects."

Tomorrow Pijush Hazarika is leaving for Upper Assam on a five-day visit to see the embankments there. Majuli is also included in his tour schedule.

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