5. Upgradation of IT and GIS System with modern technology

6. Construction of H.Q. Complex at Basistha, Guwahati

7. Maintenance of project  colonies and assets created by Board

8. Feasibility studies for channelization of river Brahmaputra - Mathematical model studies etc.

9. Climate change studies - Establishment & R&M of hydro-meteorological observatories and establishment of hydro-meteorological stations as per WMO norms

10. Drainage Development Schemes

(i) Borbhag DDS

(ii) Amjur DDS

(iii) Jengrai DDS

(iv) Demow DDS

(v) Jakaichuk DDS

(vi) Generic schemes of  drainage development as may be taken up on request from States for execution during XII Plan

11 a) Protection of Majuli Island from flood and erosion, Ph-II & III, b) Additional works for protection of Majuli Island

12 a)Avulsion of Brahmaputra at Dholla- Hatighuli, Ph-  IV, b)Additional work proposed for Dibang and Lohit Rivers

13 .Protection of Balat village from erosion of river Umngi in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya (New work)

14. a)Protection of Mankachar, Kalair-Alga International Border area from erosion of River Brahmaputra in Assam(New work)

14. b) Protection of Maslabari International Border area of Dhubri District from erosion of River Brahmaputra in Assam(New work)

15. Emergent flood management works - Raised platform /anti-erosion scheme

16. Emergent Anti-erosion works (generic schemes)/ Renovation & Restoration of water bodies for irrigation

27 days is the time that Brahmaputra Board took to reply to our questions. After going through the details it is understood that the policy paralysis of the past and present government is hampering the progress of  work. A head of the board who is very competent but only on an additional charge not knowing when the marching orders will come, under staffed the Board is still functioning and delivering not on all cases but some, is itself a miracle. The best part is that there is hope as the Board has set itself substantial targets for this five year plan. However some questions have been raised on the State Government’s efficiency in protection of poor villages across the region. The Chairman of the Board  C K Agrawa has 36 years of distinguished service encompassing practically all the aspects of water resource sectors. A Civil Engineer from Delhi College of Engineering, Mr Agrawal joined Central Water Engineering Services(CWES) as Assitant Director in 1978. His area of expertises involve resource assessment, project planning, survey and investigation, Hydro-meteorological observations, flood forecasting, monitoring and appraisal of projects, application of remote sensing and GIS techniques in water resources sector. With practically having experience in almost every major water body in the country and also a part of River development and Ganga rejuvenation besides the additional charge of the board he is a definitive authority on matters related to water bodies. This is the exact presentation of the answers received by us from him.

Brahmaputra Board prepared the Master Plan of Main stem of Brahmaputra and its sub-basins including rivers of Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya. Out of 60 Master Plans completed so far, 49 Master Plans have been approved by the Brahmaputra Board.

What  steps is the BB taking to stop the massive erosion of  land caused by the river system of the region?

The Master Plans include information on water resources availability, temporal distribution of Water Resources, design flood, water requirement for various uses, water balance study, identification of problem areas, schemes executed for management and utilization of water potential, measures for tackling problems including tentative financial implications and benefits likely to accrue on implementation of recommendations and such aspects.The recommendations ‘under flood and erosion management’ include both structural and non-structural measures on short, medium and long-term basis apart from development of multi-purpose projects.

Harsh Jhunjhunwala

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