Assam government maps land returned by Brahmaputra for reclamation project
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 and put to productive use.
Sarma visited the Koyatol project site at Srihati Chapori and adjoining areas in Kamrup (R) to review progress. He noted that around 2,000 to 2,500 bighas of land have emerged from near the Hajo-Laheswari temple towards Srihati, with similar deposition seen in Mayong and below Bogibeel towards Dhemaji.
The Chief Minister stated that Assam loses an estimated 8,000 hectares of land to riverbank erosion every year. He said the government's strategy involves strengthening embankments to protect vulnerable areas and developing newly formed land for agriculture and tourism.
The government is considering involving scientists to study soil composition and other characteristics of the new land. This will help determine if the parcels can be used for human habitation or agriculture.
Sarma said that any reclamation effort requires a detailed understanding of the river's flow patterns and hydrological characteristics. He noted that the project is currently at a preliminary stage with no final decision on implementation.
The potential expenditure for the project is estimated at Rs 400-500 crore. Sarma said the state government would seek financial assistance from the Centre as it cannot meet the total cost from its own resources.