New Delhi: The Planning Commission has given
its investment clearance for a Rs 116-crore flood and erosion
control project in Majuli, the world'a largest river island,
in Assam.
The project titled 'Protection of Majuli Island, Assam
from flood and erosion, Phase II and III' is to be completed
within the current fiscal year and its cost is estimated at Rs
115.99 crore, an official release said.
The scheme is aimed at protecting 22 satras (Vaishnavite
monataries) and other public and private properties as well as
to ensure economic development and social upliflment of the
local population after reconstruction of roads and bridges
usually destroyed during floods.
"The Vaishnavite tradition and culture- being heritage
of Assamese people would also be preserved. The tribal
population, which is about 70 per cent of total population,
would be the main beneficiary in terms of economic social
development," the release said.
Majuli is the largest fresh water mid-river deltaic
island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of
the river Brahmaputra in Assam.
The island, with a population of around 1.6 lakh, is a
major abode of Assamese Vashnavite culture and also a
biodiversty hotspot.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, February 01, 2012, 14:00