The Assam Science Society, one of the leading organisations of the country engaged in popular science movement, has taken up an initiative, jointly with the Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU) and Gauhati University (GU) to restore and manage some dead channels and degraded wetlands of Assam. The preparatory phases of the project are expected to be completed by February.
The dead channels/wetlands which have been identified for studies and restoration purpose, under the project, include Kolong river (Nagaon), Mora Manah river (Howly), Urpad Beel (Goalpara), Charikoria river (Dhakuakhona), Gara river (Lakhipur, Goalpara), Boko river, Tihu river, Bhura-Burhipukhuri (Pichala, Narayanpur), Dhirai river (Borsola), Bega river (Mangaldai), Pushpabhadra (North Guwahati), Beng river (Sipajhar), Punoi river (Muktapur, Kamrup) and Laumurajaan (Chaygaon).
Under the project, factors responsible for the deplorable condition of the dead or ailing water-bodies would be determined and strategies would be evolved to alleviate their problems and then these plans would be implemented, besides protecting them from further degradation by generating public awareness.
Work on the first phase of the project started in 2018. The second phase started in October this year in association with ASTU. According to Prof MC Kalita, who is associated with the project, ASTU has decided to work with the Science Society in the study of the hydrological and engineering aspects of these water-bodies. It will provide scientific inputs in the process of their restoration and management.
Department of Geography, GU, is also involved in the project. It will extend support in mapping the basins of the channel catchments and wetlands. It will also extend help in preparing the questionnaires, conducting household surveys and field studies, besides providing theoretical inputs.
Faculties of ASTU-affiliated engineering colleges and GU will jointly formulate the project strategies. A group of ASTU investigators will supervise implementation of the project at the local levels.
Meanwhile, a day-long workshop on restoration and management of the State�s dead channels and degraded wetlands was jointly organised by the Science Society with ASTU on November 7 last at the ASTU auditorium. Representatives of 14 Science Society branches took part in it. Prof Abani Bhagabati and Dr Nityananda Deka, Dr Dhrubajyoti Saharia of the GU Geography Dept, Mohan Chandra Kalita, Head of the Dept of GU Biotechnology, Dr Nripen Das, Registrar, ASTU, Prof AK Baruah of ASTU, Najib Ahmed of the Science Society and others were the resource persons.
Participants at the workshop, which was inaugurated by ASTU VC Prof Dhiraj Bora, presented findings of their preliminary research on these water-bodies. It was also attended by Science Society president Dr Jayanti Chutiya and general secretary Dr Jaideep Baruah.
