Meet to discuss implementation of water projects in NE

New Delhi, Feb 9: Interlinking of rivers and speedy implementation of projects in North East will be the thrust of a meeting to be chaired by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in Shillong later this week.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sharma along with Water Resources Ministers and Senior officers from the seven North-Eastern States, Sikkim and West Bengal will take part in the 7th High Powered Review B&B (Bramhaputra & Barak) Board meeting on February 11, an official statement said here today.

"The meeting will discuss the restructuring and reshaping of Bramhputra-Barak Management Board, cutting of embankments by rivers in the north eastern region, importance of anti-erosion and flood management along the course of Brahmaputra, river linking and speedy implementation of all the Water Resources Ministry in the North-East," it said.

The demand to declare Majuli near Jorhat as Water Heritage Island and develop it in an integrated manner will also be deliberated upon, the statement said.

Bharti has already written a letter to all concerned states in this regard.

She is currently on a tour of the North Eastern states and has already met Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Arunachal Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

Bharti will again visit Guwahati and meet Gogoi and other senior officials.

PTI