Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Lalpukhuri area which affected by erosion of Buroi river and inspected the erosion protection measures being undertaken by the water resources department at Chatrang river at Gohpur in Biswanath district today. A guard wall is being built on the bank of Chatrang river by the water resources department with an expenditure of Rs. 5 crore. He also went to Lohitmukh in the district which was affected by erosion of Brahmaputra river.
While interaction with media persons after visiting erosion hit areas of Buroi river, the Chief Minister said that several hectares of land were lost due to erosion in the State.
Moreover, the Chief Minister said that though erosion was a major problem in Assam, it was not considered as a natural calamity in government relief manual. However, the 15 th Finance Commission included erosion as a natural calamity, the Chief Minister said adding that the State Government made a representation to the Commission for this purpose earlier. He observed that the recent move of the Commission would facilitate flow of substantial amount of fund for erosion protection. He also said that the State is presently battling against numerous challenges like storm, COVID-19, Baghjan gas well fire etc. The Chief Minister appreciated the people of Assam for their patience and resilience at this difficult time.
Later Chief Minister Sonowal reached Bihpuria LAC in Lakhimpur district and visited Dhalpur-Jamuguri check bund no. 2 constructed by the water resources department. He also took stock of erosion-hit Dhunaguri-Chenimora Ghat in the district.