Breaches in embankments pose danger to rural economy: Sonowal

The 5,000 km embankments in Assam serve as a safeguard to rural economy but it is in danger due to recurring breaches on the embankments, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said.
Sonowal apprised Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sanjeev Kumar Balyan of the extent of devastation caused by flood in the state at a meeting in New Delhi.
He said a major chunk of the existing embankments in Assam has outlived their utility and needs immediate intervention in terms of repair and facelift for them to be used to act as a deterrent to flood and erosion.

He also asked for central assistance to strengthen the embankments as a strong network of embankments hold the key to the growth of GDP in the state.
Sonowal demanded a special grant from the Centre for flood and erosion management in the state.
The Chief Minister also apprised Balyan of the need for dredging the Brahmaputra for making the river fit for navigation throughout the year.

Balyan assured Sonowal that he will visit Assam this month to assess the situation caused by flood and erosion.
Sonowal also gave the Union Minister detailed accounts of the damage in terms of human lives, property, agriculture and livestock caused by the floods.

Sonowal also handed over a list of 66 schemes related to water resources and requested the Centre's assistance for their expeditious implementation in the state.