Guwahati: The Assam government is implementing a comprehensive plan to revitalize 129 beels (wetlands) across the state.
Covering a total area of 3,800 hectares, this initiative aims to address the decline in fish production and mitigate flood risks.
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Beels play a crucial role in Assam‘s ecosystem, providing essential services such as flood control, groundwater recharge, and erosion prevention. However, siltation, low water levels, and poor fish auto-stocking have significantly impacted their health and productivity.
According to a report, to address these challenges, the Assam government, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has identified 129 beels for rejuvenation.
These wetlands have already been geo-mapped, and 22 have been prioritized for immediate action.
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The project, with a total outlay of Rs 796.88 crore, will involve dredging and deepening of river channels to improve water flow and fish migration. Desilting, de-weeding, and construction of water pools will also be undertaken to enhance water retention and fish production.
A feasibility study and draft detailed project report (DPR) have been submitted by M/s Electroveen Engineering Private Limited, and the final DPR is expected to be completed by November 2024.
Once implemented, this project is anticipated to significantly improve the ecological health of Assam’s beels, leading to increased fish production and enhanced flood resilience.