Assam CM meets C.R. Paatil, discusses water infrastructure
New Delhi/Guwahati, Aug 20 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that he discussed strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security in the state during his meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil in New Delhi.
Chief Minister Sarma said the discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Assam and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, particularly in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the state and rejuvenating important urban water bodies and wetlands.
In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister added that under the leadership of C.R. Paatil, the Ministry has placed equal emphasis on strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water security.
“I specifically discussed ways to strengthen JJM Assam and the ongoing rejuvenation of Silsako Beel,” CM Sarma said.
Silsako Beel, one of the important wetlands in Guwahati, plays a significant role in the city’s natural drainage and water-retention system.
The Assam government has undertaken a major project aimed at restoring the wetland’s water-retention capacity and improving its ecological and flood-management functions.
According to Chief Minister Sarma, the Jal Shakti Ministry has been a valuable partner in the Rs 237-crore project for the rejuvenation of Silsako Beel.
He said the state government aims to complete the project next year.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the Centre-state partnership would be expanded to cover the rejuvenation of other urban water bodies and wetlands across Assam.
“We look forward to extending this collaboration for the rejuvenation of urban water bodies and wetlands across Assam,” he said.
The focus on Silsako Beel comes amid Assam’s wider efforts to address recurring urban flooding and strengthen the water-management infrastructure of Guwahati.
Restoration of wetlands and natural water-retention areas is considered an important component of improving the city’s resilience to heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Assam government has also been pursuing measures to improve drinking water access under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with the state seeking greater Central support for strengthening water supply infrastructure in rural areas.
The meeting assumes significance as Assam continues to focus on water security, wetland conservation and climate-resilient urban infrastructure as part of its broader development agenda.
–IANS
tdr/khz