Work on Pagladiya project to begin soon

GUWAHATI, January 16: After a long wait, the construction work of the much publicised Pagladiya project will begin from February next. The Rs 500 crore multipurpose project of Nalbari district suffered a setback at the initial stage as several organisations raised strong protest apprehending that over 27 villages would be affected due to erection of a bundh for it. Addressing a press conference here today, the Union Minister for Water Resources, Bijaya Chakraborty informed that Centre has released Rs 40 crore for rehabilitation of the villagers. In this context, Chakraborty said that all the affected family members would be properly rehabilitated by providing self-employment for which 1,500 acre of land would be required. "State Government has alloted the land recently where a township will be developed which will have vocational training centres, small markets and hospitals so that people do not face problems," she said, adding that the multipurpose project got delayed due to negligence of the State Government. Throwing more light on the project the Union Minister revealed that it would generate three MW power besides providing irrigation in and around the Nalbari district. According to an estimate, over 3271 families of Tamulpur and Baska revenue circles would be affected by erection of a bundh covering an area of 23 km. "An ambitious scheme at the cost of Rs 230 crore has also been drawn for protection of Majuli and Rs 10 crore has been released so far," Chakraborty said, adding that the bank of Brahmaputra would be developed as tourist spot from Uzanbazar to Kamakhya. Asked about new plan for Guwahati, the Union Minister disclosed that an organisation has been set up in the name of Greater Guwahati Habitat Development Organisation to keep the city free from pollution, waterloging and development of roads. "I have contacted NRIs to provide fund for development of Guwahati," Chakraborty added. In this context, she said that the Guwahati Refinery has granted Rs 4 lakh to develop roads in and around Noonmati area. Asked about political equation as Assembly election was due by May, the Union Minister parried the question saying that it was too premature to make any comment now. Replying to a question about possibility of alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Chakraborty said 'BJP is improving its position in several constituencies.'