Gogoi asks Centre to ensure flow of water in Brahmaputra

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today urged the Centre to arrive at an understanding with all the riparian countries to ensure that flow of water in the Brahmaputra river is maintained for sustaining environmental and water balance in the northeastern region.

The matter was raised by Gogoi during a meeting with Union Minister of Water Resources Harish Rawat in Guwahati late last evening, an official statement said today.

The chief minister said the imperative need was to maintain the flow of water in the Brahmaputra river so that it can sustain the environment and water balance in the North East. “There is the need to arrive at an understanding with all the riparian countries including China, Bhutan and Bangladesh,” he said.

Raising the issue of construction of dams over the river Brahmaputra by China, Gogoi urged Rawat to initiate steps in right earnest for international cooperation to thwart any measures that are detrimental to the sustainability of the Brahmaputra.

“We must also at the same time foster sharing of information amongst the Brahmaputra basin countries in mutual interest,” Gogoi said. In course of the 45-minute discussions, Gogoi apprised Rawat on the pressing problems faced by Assam and other water management issues affecting the state and requested him to take appropriate measures.

The chief minister urged Rawat to recognise flood and erosion problem of Assam as a ’national problem’. He said that erosion has been a significant factor responsible for aggravating flood problem in the state.

The chief minister reiterated the importance of flood protective measures in the plains along with catchment area management in the hills.

“Since 1950, Assam has lost about 7.4 percent of its land area with average annual rate of erosion of 8,000 hectare. The flood prone area of the state as assessed by Rashtriya Barh Ayog is 31.50 lakh hectare, which is about 39.58 percent total area of the state,” he said.

Gogoi stressed on the need for scientifically designed drainage all over the state to keep pace with infrastructure construction.

“The scientifically designed drainage needs to be complemented by extensive soil conservation, afforestation and watershed management in the hilly areas of the North Eastern region,” he said.

Gogoi also said there was a need for an in-depth study of the climatic changes that cause erratic flooding patterns so that proper ameliorative measures may be adopted.

“This has to be combined with regional flood early warning systems and adoption of flood moderation measures along with well planned erosion management,” he said, adding that the Draft National Water Policy should encourage inter-state and regional cooperation.

Gogoi urged Rawat to include erosion as a natural disaster so that it can qualify for assistance under the National Disaster Relief Fund and asked for a special package for fortification of the existing embankment network with application of modern technology.

He requested the Centre to accord recognition to the flood control sector as ‘infrastructure sector’ on priority basis.

Highlighting the unabated erosion of Majuli island, the chief minister called for a comprehensive study with long term vision to save the island and also requested Rawat for a special package for protection of Majuli.

The chief minister urged the central government to earmark Rs 50 crore from the Research & Development fund of the Ministry of Water Resources for taking up pilot projects in five places where reclamation of land was feasible.

He also urged the Union minister to initiate appropriate steps for Early Flood Warning Systems and flood forecasting system across North Eastern States in view of flash flood syndrome.

On his part, the Union minister assured Gogoi that all issues would be looked into. He also said he would endeavour to find a lasting solution to the recurring flood and erosion problem through the joint endeavour of both the Central and state governments.

PTI