JORHAT, Aug 9 - As part of the State Government�s efforts to upgrade the communication system between Majuli and the mainland, the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today flagged off four new modern ferry vessels of Inland Water Transport (IWT) department at Kamalabarighat.
The new ferries are expected to improve the communication system while minimizing the people�s dependence on traditional boat service.
Sonowal also flagged-off another new ferry service between Ahotguri and Misamora areas of Majuli. The service will significantly shorten the travel time between the places, sources said.
One Ramp Powered Lighter (RPL), which has been refurbished to carry JCB and dumpers to Majuli from Jorhat side, was also launched by the Chief Minister.
The sources said that after launching the new boats Sonowal attended a public meeting organised on the occasion at Alimur Mising Gaon.
The Chief Minister, while hailing the initiative of IWT department , said that the people of Majuli would be immensely benefitted by the new ferries which would reduce the travel time between the island and Jorhat.
�After assuming charge, the State Government has been giving priority to the communication system, including, air and water and accordingly several steps have been taken,� Sonowal said.
He stated that waterways play a major role in enhancing economic progress of a country and that for that reason the developed countries have been using waterways for centuries for their trade.
�All great human civilisations have flourished at the banks of rivers and the endless possibilities of Brahmaputra must be harnessed to develop Majuli and the state,� the Chief Minister, who is also the MLA of Majuli, said.
Stating that Majuil will no longer remain left behind in terms of development as series of schemes of both the Central and the State Governments were being implemented in the district, Sonowal said that both sides of Majuli will be connected with Jorhat and Lakhimpur with new bridges for faster development.
He said that there was spiritual energy in the Majuli as the island was chosen by the Gurujona for preaching and propagating the Vaishnavite culture.
