From Special Correspondent
New Delhi: The newly-appointed Union Minister for Water Resources Harish Rawat on Tuesday assured Meghalaya that the twin project of controlling floods and beautification of Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers will be taken up by the Centre on a top priority basis.
The assurance was given to the Meghalaya Minister for GAD and Water Resources, A L Hek who met Rawat in his Parliament chamber. Hek was accompanied by former Union Minister and MP from Shillong Vincent H Pala.
The GAD Minister also submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Rs 42.39 crore flood management and beautification programme to Rawat. All other necessary clearance has been given for this vital project, he said.
Under this project, the state government plans to construct proper concrete drains on the small streams which lead to Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers. The project will also take care of the agricultural lands which are situated along the two rivers as it would address the issue of soil erosion along the rivers.
Flooding of the two rivers create havoc during rainy season every year destroying agricultural land and displacing many people.
According to Hek, who along with the local MLA and concerned officers inspected the site, the basic idea of the project was to streamline the flow of the rivers, reducing stench and increase its carrying capacity during the lean season as well.
“Steps will be taken to prevent sedimentation and accumulation of debris and garbage besides prevention of seepage of polluted water,” the GAD Minister informed.
