DIBRUGARH, Dec 17 - Oil India Limited Chairman and Managing Director Utpal Bora inaugurated a 40 KW solar power plant in Sasoni Merbeel Eco-Tourism Project on Wednesday, which has been provided by OIL under the company�s CSR initiatives. OIL had sanctioned a financial package of Rs 1 crore, which included besides the solar power plant, other components like 13 pedal boats, a four wheeler, two eco-friendly green vehicles, construction of jetty and a bio digester plant bio digester for sewage disposal, according to an OIL press release. Power from the solar plant will be sufficient to meet all electrical needs of the tourist resort.
Speaking on the occasion, Bora complimented the Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Development Committee for its efforts in conservation of the Merbeel and successfully converting it to a popular eco-tourism destination. He assured that Oil India Limited is always committed to such meaningful environment preservation and community development initiatives and expressed his confidence that once all the remaining infrastructure related components of the project, which have been funded by the Government of Assam is completed, Sasoni Merbeel will be able to become a leading eco-tourism destination in the country.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pranjit Deka, General Manager (Public Affairs), OIL, and other senior officials of the company. Moni Manik Gogoi, President, Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Development Committee, Rameshwar Bora, veteran social worker and Gajen Mahanta, Satradhikaar, Bareghar Satra, were the guests on the occasion.
The Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Project near Naharkatia is located in the heart of the operational area of the company and is all set to become one of Assam�s most sought after natural retreats. Merbeel is an ox-bow lake and covers an area of almost 1550 bighas including an island of around 933 bighas. Within two kilometres from the island, there is another wetland called Gudhabeel, which is home to several varieties of local and migratory birds. The wetland is also famous for endangered species of fresh water turtles and various other aquatic life forms.