Sonowal announces developmental plans for Majuli

Majuli, Sept 7: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was elected from Majuli in the Assembly elections, today announced several developmental progammes for the constituency which is Asia's largest riverine island.

Majuli must be highlighted in the global stage with proper planning as the center of 'Satriya' culture (Assamese classical dance form), Sonowal told reporters here.

For this purpose, a world class cultural university would be set up in Majuli for spreading the essence of 'Satriya' culture and preserve it through quality research. He also acknowledged the contribution of music maestro Bhupen Hazarika in highlighting 'Satriya' culture by giving it national recognition when he was the Chairman of Sangeet Natak Academy.

Regarding the perennial problem of flood and erosion in the state, the Chief Minister said a comprehensive plan has been made for dredging the Bramhaputra river with the help of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Stating that a workshop in this regard was held in Guwahati with the experts of Dredging Corporation of India, he said that it would greatly help in solving the erosion problem in Majuli.

To deal with flood in the island in an effective and quick manner, a Rapid Action Center of Water Resources Department would be set up so that flood management work could be expedited in crisis situation, he said.

The Chief Minister said that a cabinet meeting will be held in Majuli and similar cabinet meetings would also be held in other backward places of the state in the future to give momentum to development. Sonowal further said an Ayurvedic hospital would be set up in Majuli to encourage people to go for holistic approach in curing diseases.

PTI