Govt to take steps to facilitate WH status for Assam island

Centre will take all possible steps to expedite the proposal of World Heritage site status for Majuli island located in Brahmaputra river in Assam, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said today.
Sharma held a meeting with Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal in this regard today, a press release said.
Sharma said the Ministry of Culture is already working closely with Assam to assist them in finalising the proposal. He further assured that the state government will be assisted to overcome all roadblocks, the release added.
Bharti explained the need to conserve the culturally and historically rich island as it is dramatically shrinking in size due to erosion. "ASI must carry out a survey of the ancient artefacts at the island to facilitate the proposal for World Heritage site," she added.

Sonowal, who is the MP from the area, said Majuli island is the largest river island in the world and has a population of about two lakh, both tribal as well as non-tribal.
He urged Sharma to provide tourism infrastructure at Majuli such as a guest house, an auditorium and a museum.
Sharma said the Tourism Ministry is committed to develop Majuli island as a tourist destination, especially with the help of cruise tourism and the Culture Ministry will extend all help to the proposal for World Heritage site, the release added.