New Delhi, Feb. 5: The ministry of water resources, which is looking for a long-term solution to erosion at Majuli, has asked the Brahmaputra Board to conduct model studies. The ministry has also decided to ask the Assam government for clarification on the proposal submitted by the latter to protect the Hatimura dyke in Nagaon.
Sources in the ministry said the Brahmaputra Board had submitted a project report on erosion three months ago, which was examined by the Central Water Commission.
?The model studies advised by the ministry are based on this project report. The idea is to ensure that the island is protected from all sides when the long-term measures are executed,? a source said.
Sources said a two-pronged approach is being adopted to tackle erosion at the world?s largest riverine island.
?While work has started on short-term measures, it may take some time before a masterplan is submitted by the Brahmaputra Board. Efforts are on to reach a permanent solution to the problem at Majuli,? the source said.
The short-term solutions consist of anti-erosion schemes, which would be completed within a specified time frame. An amount of Rs 6.21 crore has been sanctioned for the purpose.
Satradhikars from the island, who recently urged Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for a permanent solution to erosion, said the efforts made so far have been either ?ad hoc or done with vested interests?.
They suggested that a stone embankment be constructed around the island besides a bridge that would link the Vaishnavite centre with both banks of the Brahmaputra.
Majuli has shrunk from 1,245 square km in 1950 to 552 square km at present because of erosion. The average loss of landmass has been nearly 14 square km every year.
On the ministry?s decision to seek a clarification from the state government on Hatimura dyke, a source said: ?The Central Water Commission was not satisfied on certain aspects of the proposal submitted by the Assam government and hence the decision to send it back?.
The Assam government?s proposal comprises schemes worth Rs 24.8 crore. Earlier, Union minister of state Bijoya Chakraborty had announced a package of Rs 25 crore to protect the dyke. The threat to the dyke arose after the Brahmaputra began changing its course towards the Mora Kalang about four months ago.