Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the ongoing restoration and preservation works of Guwahati’s many pivotal wetlands or water bodies, which are helpful in mitigating urban flood.
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority or GMDA has been actively involved in the restoration of Silsako Beel, the large urban water body in Guwahati and important for managing rain water flowing down from the nearby hills.
Taking to X, CM Himanta noted “wetland preservation is key factor in solving the issue of urban flooding”.
He appreciated the authorities for being “able to restore a good portion of Silsako’s natural channel”. Similar preservation tasks for other water bodies in Guwahati are on the offing, he wrote further.
The preservation of water bodies is surely akin to saving the diverse habitats of aquatic life. This apart, it attracts people closer to nature, infusing respect and understanding of the natural environment inside people’s heart and mind.
The tasks are part of a broader initiative of the government under the Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act, implemented in 2008 and amended in 2010.
It covers three wetlands – Deepor, Silsako and Borsola-Sorusola – for protection due to their prominent role in mitigating flooding and facilitating refuge to migratory birds and local wildlife.
GMDA Tasks Are:
Desilting and cleaning the Pamohi Channel that leads to Deepor Beel
Addressing problems related to the NH37 drain
Maintaining the ecological balance, preventing the encroachment and land filling of these water bodies in the first phase
Residents of area near Silsako were ensured of resettlement ahead of the implementation of the Guwahati legislation.
CM Himanta’s praise for these preservation efforts demonstrates the Assam Government’s dedication to environmental rewards as well as sustainable growth. The preservation of water bodies is a testament to the State’s proactive approach to maintaining its natural resources and protecting its rich biodiversity.
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