Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet has approved proposals for notifying two ‘beels’ (waterbodies) in Goalpara district as proposed reserve forest (PRF) to maintain ‘social and natural balance’.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference after chairing the Cabinet on Sunday, said, “Cabinet has approved the proposal to notify Urpad Beel area (1256 Ha) as a PRF under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891.”
“This ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich wetland will be protected and conserved to strengthen conservation efforts in Goalpara,” he added.
CM Sarma said the cabinet had also okayed a proposal to notify Hasila Beel area (245 Ha) as a PRF under the same law, and in both cases, one month’s time will be given to the public to register their opinion.
“Through these steps, we can ensure that social and natural balance in Goalpara is maintained,” the chief minister added.
The Cabinet approved the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme to facilitate coordinated transportation of bodies of people from Assam who are working or studying in other states and die of various causes.
“The scheme will be implemented from October one. It will be applicable primarily for youth engaged in low-paying jobs outside the state, along with those who have died in special circumstances, such as murder and accidents,” he said.
The scheme will not include cases of death during medical treatments outside the state, he added.
“Family members will inform the local administration or police by dialing 112. Moreover, a social media ID will be created dedicatedly for the purpose,” Sarma added.
The Cabinet approved the allotment of a self-identified site to Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited for the development of a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in West Karbi Anglong district.
“With an investment of Rs 5400 crore, this project will contribute towards achieving the state’s target of 2 GW PSP capacity by 2030,” he said.
ALSO READ: Assam Cabinet grants ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Class’ status to transgender community
Besides, the council of ministers approved the creation of a Development Council for Rabha community people residing outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area.
The proposed Council will undertake welfare schemes to promote the socio-economic, educational and cultural uplift of the Rabha community living beyond the territorial jurisdiction of RHAC, the chief minister said.
