Assam: Kolong river rejuvenation project brings joy to Kaliabor locals

Kaliabor: A historic moment for Koliabor. Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta today inaugurated the scheme of Kolong River's rejuvenation. The inaugural ceremony was conducted with traditional rites and rituals. 108 earthen lamps were lit to kickstart the new phase in the river's life as an auspicious measure. Kolong, it has often been remarked, is integral to middle Assam's social and cultural life. In 1964, a river bank was set up to protect the locals from the Kolong floods. Back then, a living river was put to death in order to protect the people.

"Work will be going for 24 hours at the site and shift-wise duty shall be introduced. We hope that the project will be completed before the beginning of next monsoon," Minister Mahanta said.

The locals since then had been requesting the authorities to help rejuvenate the Kolong river. The then MLA Keshab Mahanta had raised this issue earlier but till 2016, it did not yield any result. However, the issue received the required attention later on. A committee was formed to look into the development of the same. With an investment of Rs. 24.50 crore, a total of 19 schemes were pushed forth in 2017-18.

An experienced international institute, WAPCOS has been given the duty of the Kolong's development responsibility. After research and site visits, in January 2020, a presentation named 'Rejuvenation of Kolong River' was prepared. A total of 135.40 crore rupees have been earmarked for allocation for the same.

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