Assam government aims to rejuvenate waterways in state: Sonowal

While taking part in the celebration of Namami Brahmaputra festival organized by Nagaon district administration in the district headquarter the Assam CM who attended a programme organized at Khagen Mahanta auditorium as part of the festival stated that the British administration in Assam made good use of the Brahmaputra waterways for transportation of coal, tea and other commodities which paid them rich dividend adding that the state government puts equal importance on the waterways and this is one of the many objectives that lies behind the Namami Brahmaputra festival.

Stating that the Namami Brahmaputra festival is an endeavour to promote Assam’s potential and possibilities to the global audience, Sonowal expressed confidence that this festival which is organized across 21 districts and 27 locations of the state will unleash a new era of economic growth in Assam.

Sonowal also lauded the efforts put by respective district administrations and spontaneous participation of local people in the festival by giving the same a new dimension.

Further, highlighting the rich spiritual tradition of Nagaon, the Assam CM urged the new generation to vigorously work for upholding the same so that the district continue to contribute to the socio-cultural and academic sphere of the state.

Sonowal also stressed on the need to take adequate steps for preserving the water bodies and forest cover to maintain the ecological balance and called for creating a pollution free environment in the state.

State Water Resources Minister Keshav Mahanta while taking part in the programme said that a renewed effort is initiated under the chief minister in the state to rediscover Assam.

Mahanta also announced that the Government of Assam will rejuvenate the now defunct and dead Kollong river for which a Signature Project is proposed and a provision of Rs 10 crore is made in the budget for survey and investigation.

Further, government has also constituted an expert committee for rejuvenation of Kollong river, the minister added.

Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and deputy commissioner of Nagaon Samsher Singh also delivered speech in the programme.

As part of the celebration, the Chief Minister along with the dignitaries released the souvenir titled “Mahabahu”.

A documentary titled “A Land of Diversities” produced by Nagaon district administration and directed by Parthajit Baruah was also screened.

It is to be mentioned that the Namami Brahmaputra festival is organized at four places in Nagaon district, viz. Neherubali, Dhing, Silghat and Raha.

Vice Chancellor of Sreemanta Sankardev University Dr Kandarpa Kumar Deka, MLAs Rupak Sarma, Dimbeswar Das, Angoorlata Deka, Shiladitya Deb, Chairman of Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation Jatin Bora were also present amongst others in the programme.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)