NEW DELHI, June 4 � In a significant declaration, Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti today said that the proposed Middle Siang project is going to be the answer for permanent solution to the flood problem of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference about the achievements of her ministry, she threw lights on her ministry�s plan to tackle the problems associated with the mighty Brahmaputra River and China�s bid to divert it.
�There are two issues with Brahmaputra River � problems from Brahmaputra and problems for Brahmaputra. The solution to these problems is Middle Siang,� she said.
�Apart from Upper and Lower Siang, we have initiated project work for Middle Siang. We have already held consultations with the concerned authorities,� she disclosed.
�The outcome of the measure is that the problems arising because of Brahmaputra River would be tackled and problems for Brahmaputra would also be taken care of. The flood problem of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would be resolved by the Middle Siang Project.
Bharti had visited Northeast in February and held discussions with the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to build consensus on the Middle Siang Hydroelectric Project.
�The Government of India and the Prime Minister have been appraised and we are soon going to the next level. Problems for the Brahmaputra and problems from Brahmaputra are both going to be sorted out in a very short period of time,� she claimed.
The Minister, who had also visited Majuli Island and made on-the-spot assessment of flood management, said work has already started on the establishment of the North East and Brahmaputra River Rejuvenation Authority (NEBRRA).
With the proposed North East Water Authority (NEWRA) in a limbo, the Centre decided to restructure the Brahmaputra Board into an Authority. An estimated Rs 1 lakh crore is proposed to be invested in the new Authority. The proposed body would be different from the existing Brahmaputra Board.
The work envisaged under the already prepared master plan with an investment of around Rs 1 lakh crore, will be taken up by the Authority in consultation with the governing council for fast-track development in the Northeast.
While the Brahmaputra Board is restricted to flood control aspects, the NEBRRA envisages incorporating an integrated river basin management approach, encompassing all works related to integration of supply side, ground water, surface water, quality management and demand side at one point.