He requested the Centre to accord recognition to the

flood control sector as 'infrastructure sector' on priority basis. Highlighting the unabated erosion of Majuli island, the Chief Minister called for a comprehensive study with long term vision to save the island and also requested Rawat for a special package for protection of Majuli. The Chief Minister urged the central government to earmark Rs 50 crore from the Research & Development fund of the Ministry of Water Resources for taking up pilot projects in five places where reclamation of land was feasible. He also urged the Union Minister to initiate appropriate steps for Early Flood Warning Systems and flood forecasting system across North Eastern States in view of flash flood syndrome. On his part, the Union Minister assured Gogoi that all issues would be looked into. He also said he would endeavour to find a lasting solution to the recurring flood and erosion problem through the joint endeavour of both the central and state governments.