Assam to start dredging of Brahmaputra to combat flood,erosion

Guwahati, Aug 23 (PTI) In its fight against flood anderosion, the Assam Government today said it will startdredging of river Brahmaputra to give people relief from theperennial problem. According to an official release, Chief MinisterSarbananda Sonowal held a meeting with officials of theDredging Corporation of India Limited. "In order to give succour to the people ravaged byperennial floods and erosion, state government with the helpof Dredging Corporation of India, will start dredging of riverBrahmaputra," Sonowal said. A survey team was likely to visit Assam in 8-10 daysto carry out survey work and based on the findings, an actionplan would be prepared for dredging on an annual basis, hesaid. Dredging would primarily emphasise on erosion control,sediment management and flood control and the whole processwould be carried out in line with the hydrological characterof the Brahmaputra, the statement said. Considering the annual silt load of Brahmaputra, watercarrying capacity of the river has been reduced to an extentcausing floods in the state when there was incessant rains. "Since the Brahmaputra serves as the life line of thepeople of Assam, the river has to be harnessed to serve ourpeople," Sonowal said. The area of dredging would be from Sadiya to Dhubri and abroad road map would be put in place for dredging, he added.PTI TR DKBMNG