News Reporter
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Allocates ₹200 Crore for Innovative Flood Management Strategy
Guwahati, Assam- 12 February, 24: Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, recently announced a groundbreaking initiative as part of the state's budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. With a focus on mitigating the perennial issue of floods, the government has allocated ₹200 crore towards integrating wetlands with the Brahmaputra River.
The initiative aims to leverage the natural landscape of wetlands to divert floodwaters away from populated areas, thus reducing the devastating impact of floods in Assam. According to a survey conducted by the North-East Space Application Center (NESAC), 271 wetlands and lakes across the state have been identified as suitable for floodwater diversion.
In addition to identifying these wetlands, the government plans to undertake rejuvenation and restoration efforts to enhance their storage capacity. By creating an additional storage capacity of 220 lakh cubic meters, these wetlands will serve as reservoirs during periods of heavy rainfall, effectively mitigating the risk of flooding in vulnerable regions.
Furthermore, NESAC's hydrological analysis of flood-causing rivers indicates that the implementation of this strategy could lead to a significant reduction in flood peaks. Depending on the river, the flood peak may decrease by anywhere from 20% to 80% following floodwater diversion, offering promising prospects for flood management in Assam.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence in the effectiveness of this innovative approach, emphasizing its potential to transform Assam's flood management infrastructure. The allocation of ₹200 crore underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of Assam's residents, particularly in the face of recurring natural disasters.
The integration of wetlands with the Brahmaputra River represents a forward-thinking solution to a longstanding challenge, reflecting Assam's proactive stance towards climate resilience and disaster preparedness. As the state embarks on this ambitious endeavor, stakeholders remain hopeful that it will pave the way for a flood-free future and usher in a new era of sustainable development for Assam.