(REOPENS CAL15)

The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of flood protective measures in the plains along with catchment area management in the hills. "Since 1950, Assam has lost about 7.4 per cent of its land area with average annual rate of erosion of 8,000 hectare. The flood prone area of the state as assessed by Rashtriya Barh Ayog is 31.50 lakh hectare, which is about 39.58 per cent total area of the state," he said. Gogoi stressed on the need for scientifically designed drainage all over the state to keep pace with infrastructure construction. "The scientifically designed drainage needs to be complemented by extensive soil conservation, afforestation and watershed management in the hilly areas of the North Eastern region," he said. He also said there was a need for an in-depth study of the climatic changes that cause erratic flooding patterns so that proper ameliorative measures may be adopted. "This has to be combined with regional flood early warning systems and adoption of flood moderation measures along with well planned erosion management," he said, adding that the Draft National Water Policy should encourage inter- state and regional cooperation. Gogoi urged Rawat to include erosion as a natural disaster so that it can qualify for assistance under the National Disaster Relief Fund and asked for a special package for fortification of the existing embankment network with application of modern technology. (More)