Guwahati: With an aim to mitigate floods and boost fish production, the Assam government has initiated a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate 129 beels (wetlands), covering a total area of 3,800 hectares.
Beels play a crucial role in hydrological regulation, including flood control, groundwater recharge, and erosion prevention, making them vital resources for both the environment and fisheries in Assam.
However, siltation, low water levels, and poor fish auto-stocking have significantly impacted their health and productivity.
To address these issues, the project will focus on key areas, including dredging, desilting, and the construction of water-retaining structures to improve water storage and fish breeding environments.
Initially, 190 beels were identified by District Fisheries Development Officers. The Assam government, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has identified 129 beels for rejuvenation.
These wetlands have already been geo-mapped by the Assam State Application Centre (ASSAC), and 22 have been prioritized for immediate action.
The contract agreements for these 22 beels are expected to be signed by February 2025.
With a project cost of Rs 796.88 crore, 80% of the funding will come from the ADB, while the remaining 20% will be provided by the state government.
The project 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.
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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.
The project is expected to significantly improve the aquatic ecosystem of Assam’s beels, leading to increased fish production and enhanced flood resilience.
