CM expresses displeasure over the slow pace of Majuli protection project

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday expressed his displeasure over the slow pace of implementation of Majuli protection project.

The CM has warned of legal measures against the organisation if they fail to complete the project before the deadline.

While reviewing the progress of the project in Majuli, Sonowal said, "The protection of the river island is an emotional issue for the people of Assam as Majuli is the seat of the state's Vaishnavite culture and heritage and any negligence by the organisation in implementing the project will lead to severe action against it".

The project had been allotted to TK Engineering on November 24, 2017 and has a timeframe of 18 months which will expire on May, 2019.

The project entails 27 km long erosion protection work for a total cost of Rs 200 crore.

"The project for Majuli protection is the manifestation of Prime Minister's commitment towards Assam and both the Brahmaputra Board and the organisation must work with dedication and sincerity in implementing the project," he added.

The CM also said that Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma, who is in-charge of looking after the Majuli affairs, would again hold a review meeting next month and in case of any lapse, legal action would be taken.

Both the Central and the state government have come forward to solve the continuing problems that the river island is facing and Brahmaputra Board must win people's trust through their work, he stated.

"People need solutions, not excuses. The delay in implementation of the project has raised serious doubts in the minds of people and the newly appointed chairman of the board must strive hard to fulfill the expectations of the public from the board," Sonowal asserted.

Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board Rajiv Yadav has informed that the firm has already been penalised with a fine of Rs 1.6 crore for the delay in implementing the project.