BARPETA, July 31 - Governor Assam Professor Jagdish Mukhi has expressed deep concern over the ongoing erosion in the State and said that there is urgent need to check it. The Governor stated that large areas of fertile land and habitats have been lost in the long-standing problem of erosion which has become a grave problem for the people and the government.
Addressing media persons at Bansbari Tourist Lodge at the Manas National Park-cum-Tiger Project, Mukhi lamented that though flood has been recognised as a natural calamity since long and there is immense provision to compensate the loss due to flood, there is no measure of payment of compensation due to the loss of erosion.
However, the head of the State administration informed that the State government has been pursuing the issue of erosion with the Central government since the present government assumed office and the efforts have begun to bear fruit. The Finance Commission has of late recognised the perennial problem of river erosion in the State as a natural calamity and once the modalities are prepared payment of compensation due to the loss created by erosion will begin.
Referring to the continuous erosion by Beki in parts of Barpeta and Baksa districts, Mukhi said that a scheme worth rupees 204 crore has been prepared to check the erosion of Beki in Safakamar area which has been forwarded to the Central Water Commission and it is waiting for administrative approval. He informed that he will personally deal the matter with the Central Water Resource Minister and this is the reason of his visit here so that he can acquire first hand knowledge of ongoing devastation. �My purpose is to acquaint myself with the situation. Hence, I have seen it from the catchment area of Beki so that I can apprise and convince the Central government for a permanent solution of the grave problem which have belaboured the people,� Mukhi said and added that he is hopeful of a solution.
Governor of Assam Professor Jagdish Mukhi visited some erosion-hit areas of Barpeta and Baksa district on Thursday. Mukhi first visited Safakamar where the erosion of Beki has posed serious threat for the last few years. Apart from eroding a number of residences, erosion in this area has disrupted road communication between Barpetaroad and World Heritage Site Manas National Park-cum-Tiger Project.
The Governor later went to Khagrabari Bispani area where Beki has eroded hundreds of hectares of fertile land during the last few years. Quoting local people, the Governor informed that 15 to 20 metres of land has got eroded in the last 20 hours in Safakamar area which has threatened the existence of nearby households.
Regarding the large-scale deforestation in some parts of the State, the Governor informed that steps have been initiated to plant 40 lakh saplings in those areas. The saplings consists of wood, flower and fruits which will give a new lease of life to the forests of the State.
