Assam government explores reclaiming land deposited by Brahmaputra river
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state is identifying newly emerged land parcels for potential use in agriculture and tourism.
The Assam government is identifying land parcels along the Brahmaputra that have emerged due to the river changing its course, according to The Assam Tribune. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that the state is exploring whether these stretches can be scientifically reclaimed for productive use.
Sarma visited the Koyatol project site at Srihati Chapori and adjoining areas in Kamrup (R) to review progress. He noted that while Assam loses an estimated 8,000 hectares of land to erosion every year, siltation creates new land in other areas.
The Chief Minister cited land emergence below Bogibeel towards Dhemaji and around 2,000 to 2,500 bighas of land between the Hajo-Laheswari temple and Srihati. He also mentioned land deposition in Mayong.
The government plans to involve scientists to study soil composition and other characteristics to determine if the land is suitable for habitation or agriculture. Deputy commissioners across the state have been instructed to identify such parcels.
Sarma stated that any reclamation requires a detailed study of the river's flow patterns and hydrological characteristics. The proposed project is currently at a preliminary stage with no final implementation decision.
The estimated expenditure for the project is between Rs 400 crore and Rs 500 crore. Sarma said the state will submit a proposal to the Government of India for financial aid, as Assam cannot fund the project entirely on its own.