ADB funds major erosion control schemes in Asom

Guwahati, May 26 (UNI) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide Rs 1,600 crore to Asom and Arunachal Pradesh for flood and erosion control measures.

Addressing newspersons here today, Asom Water Resources Minister Bharat Narah said, ''ADB has selected a consultancy firm for implementation of the project.'' The flood and erosion control measures would be taken up in the entire stretch of the Brahmaputra, especially in the areas of Dibrugarh, Dhakuakhana, Jorhat, Kaziranga and Polashbari of Asom.

''The severity of the flood problem of the Brahmaputra valley has been further accentuated by the erosion on both the banks in the entire length of the river,'' he said.

Around 8,000 hectares of land in Asom was eroded by the Brahmaputra every year. Official records suggest that since 1954 around four lakh hectares have been eroded.

Asom and Arunachal Pradesh state government would jointly implement the project. The ADB has already sanctioned the project preparation and technical assistence for Asom.

''The draft project report of four selected projects have been submitted to the ADB, Mr Narah said.

The schemes would be primarily of short-term. Several erosion control measures like spurs and bullheads in areas like Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Morigaon and Barpeta would be constructed under the proposed project.

Revamping of the old embankments and reconstructing 16 breached embankments would be among the schemes of the water resources department, the minister said.

A team of the ADB is conducting a study on the socio-economic prospect of the river bank areas to arrange for necessary relief measures.

Taking a cue from the successful implementation of the plan in Bangladesh, the ADB has also suggested to take up steps to set up erosion forecast projects.

''The ADB has agreed to give the necessary inputs relating to the software and study of the river course for predicting erosion. Once we are ready with the plans, the department would be more proactive,'' he said.

Asom's total area is around 72,000 sq km and it has the world's largest network of rivers comprising the Brahmaputra and its 62 tributaries.

UNI