Guwahati, 19 February (HS): On the second day of the budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, the effects of hydropower projects under construction in Bhutan were discussed. Leader of Opposition Congress MLA Devbrat Saikia demanded the Water Resources Minister to clarify the government’s position on the issue of the effects of these projects on Assam, possible floods and river erosion.
In response, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika said that the department is not aware of the ongoing hydropower projects in Bhutan. However, he admitted that the water released from the Kurishu hydropower project has caused floods and erosion in Baksa and Barpeta districts through the Beki river. To prevent this, projects are being run with the help of the World Bank.
The minister said that the Assam government has demanded the Center to declare floods as a national problem. In 2012, a resolution was passed in the assembly in this regard and sent to the Centre. Also, the Central Government has proposed to form North Eastern Water Management Authority (NEWMA) for water resource management in the Northeast.
The minister also informed that several schemes are being run in the state with the help of World Bank, ADB and Central Government to prevent floods and erosion. Apart from this, efforts are on to prevent floods under special schemes in the border areas.
The minister said that the Central Government is committed to solving the flood problem of Assam. New reservoir projects are being considered, so that flood control and irrigation system can be strengthened.
Hindusthan Samachar
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