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The Planning Commission has given clearance for a Rs 116-crore flood and erosion control project in Majuli, the world's largest river island, in Assam.
The project titled ‘Protection of Majuli Island, Assam from flood and erosion, Phase II and III' is to be completed within the current fiscal year and its cost is estimated at Rs 115.99 crore, an official release said.
The scheme is aimed at protecting 22 satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and other public and private properties as well as to ensure economic development and social upliftment of the local population after reconstruction of roads and bridges usually destroyed during floods.
“The Vaishnavite tradition and culture — being heritage of Assamese people would also be preserved. The tribal population, which is about 70 per cent of total population, would be the main beneficiary in terms of economic and social development,” the release said.
Majuli is the largest fresh water mid-river deltaic island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra in Assam.
The island, with a population of around 1.6 lakh, is a major abode of Assamese Vaishnavite culture and also a biodiversity hotspot.
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