Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Erosion of Majuli to be tackled on a war footing: PM

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh reviewed the action taken by the government to counteract the erosion of the Majuli Island in the Brahamaputra River.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of Majuli as a site of great emotional and cultural significance to Assam given the presence of the Vaishnavite Satras. He said the issue must tackled on a on a war-footing and the government should mobilize the best technical competence available to address this task. PM directed that the Action Plan be implemented on highest priority. He also directed that, in addition to technical professionals, civil society professionals should also be enlised for the preservation of the Majuli Island.

The Prime Minister also desired that an update on the work done on this matter may be sent to the PMO every three months.

A Presentation was made on the gradual but steady erosion of the Majuli Island in the Brahamaputra on account of high silt and sand content making it very erodible and the steps being taken to tackle the problem. The steps include the acceptance of a detailed project plan of Rs. 86.50 crores to be executed in three phases. Of these, Phase-1 of Rs.41.28 crores is now under implementation and is expected to be complete by March 2008. Phase-2 and 3 would be taken up and completed by year 2009. The meeting was informed that the measures taken up under Phase-1 has had some positive- impact on reducing further erosion, saving of crops and improvement of communications.

The Minister of Water Resources will head a high level team for a field visit, soon after the monsoon, to assess the situation and take corrective action where required. The Ministry of Culture requested for accelerated action given the fact that Majuli is being sponsored by the Government of India as a site to be declared as world heritage.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Water Resources and Culture, and the Secretaries of Water Resources and DONER, Chairman, Brahamaputra Board and Director General, ASI.