GUWAHATI, Nov 11 - Goalpara district has received the prestigious National Water Award, 2019 under the Water Conservation, Best District (North East) category.
The award was presented by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, at an award ceremony organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today, stated a press release.
The award ceremony was inaugurated by Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu in presence of many experts and luminaries.
Goalpara district, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka, has been doing commendable work in the area of water conservation/management.
To inculcate values of water conservation among the new generation and to enhance guardian engagement and community participation, Goalpara district has been installing rain water harvesting and ground water recharge schemes in various anganwadis.
Last year in November, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first model anganwadi centre funded through local CSR and crowd sourcing at Budhipara near Agia in Goalpara. Through CSR funding and local crowd sourcing, the district administration has also been installing water purifiers in schools across Goalpara.
These efforts are leading to creation of a new consciousness on water needs by the young generation of students and have also increased guardians-cum-community awareness and engagement in the field of water management, the release said.
Goalpara district has also been dovetailing schemes of various departments including District Rural Development Agency (MGNREGA), Soil Conservation, Irrigation, Fisheries, etc, for creation of assets for water conservation and management and new livelihood opportunities for the agriculturists, women, youth and senior citizens of the district. Construction of embankments, strategically placed check dams, etc, also increased the irrigation potential of this aspirational district.
Goalpara�s efforts in the conservation and rejuvenation of Urpad Beel, one of the largest water bodies in lower Assam with an area of 520 hectares, have been exemplary. The beel plays host to many exotic, aquatic flora as well as fauna including some endangered species. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem around. Along with Patakata and Matia Beels, the total wetland area is 1000 hectares. There have been recorded sightings of 24 exotic species such as the white winged wood duck from Siberia, greater adjutant stork, etc.
The beel also finds mention in the Bombay Natural History Society listings. The beel has been prone to erosion and siltation leading to shrinkage in its carrying capacity and also unfettered growth of water hyacinth.
District administration along with many other developmental departments such as Zilla Parishad, DRDA, Public Works, Fisheries, Irrigation, Soil Conservation, Forest and Social Forestry Departments and others have been creating awareness amongst the local people.
The administration has also carried out eviction drives to free the wetlands from potentially damaging encroachments. Administration with stakeholders also carried out a three-day participatory rural appraisal activity from September 25 to 27, 2019 along with seven adjacent villages.
Under the aegis of Assam State Bio-Diversity Board and Assam Forest Department, capacity of stakeholders on nature conservation is being build up. Administration is also creating new livelihood opportunities under MGNREGA, self-employment training, etc. The wetland�s boundary has been surveyed using GPS and demarcated to prevent further encroachment or depredation of the beel.
The Union ministry has lauded the district�s efforts, the release added.
