Pijush Hazarika inspects Nagaon's Kolong project, promises revival by monsoon

Minister Pijush Hazarika announced that the long-awaited Kolong project is set to come to fruition this monsoon, as he inspected the ongoing excavation work at Kalangmukh in Hatimura. Accompanied by ministers Keshav Mahanta and Jeetu Goswami, Hazarika expressed optimism about the project, which aims to revitalize the Kolong river with water from the Brahmaputra.

 

Currently, 6 kilometers of the planned 23-kilometer excavation have been completed. Hazarika emphasized the importance of this project for the people of Nagaon, highlighting its significance as a collective dream spearheaded by Keshav Mahanta.

 

"It was a dream of our beloved Keshav da, and not just his, but also the dream of the people of Nagaon," Hazarika stated. "There were even poems about the Kalong, but unfortunately, our Kolong died and was buried. To rebuild the Kolong, Keshav da took on the responsibility, and I also took on some responsibility, but most of the work was done by Keshav da. As a resident of Nagaon, I feel good contributing to this effort for our people. With the water level of the Brahmaputra currently low, we hope that when it rises again, the Kolong will flow anew by God's grace. This project was eagerly anticipated by everyone in Nagaon. Keshav da initiated and nearly completed the work, and I am proud to contribute my part."

 

Hazarika's visit to the sluice gate at Kolongmukh marks a significant step in the project, with the expectation that increased water levels in the Brahmaputra will enable the Kolong to flow anew. The minister's assurance has rekindled hope among the residents of Nagaon, who have long awaited the realization of this dream.

 

As the monsoon approaches, the successful completion of the Kolong project promises to restore the river to its former glory, benefiting the local communities and fulfilling a vision that has been years in the making.

 

The revival of the Kolong River is nearing completion, with state-of-the-art dredgers operating at a rapid pace to meet the 2025 deadline. After several years of intense efforts, the Kolong is expected to flow once again, bringing good news to the region.

 

Using sophisticated dredgers, the river's bed is being excavated at a rate of 100 to 200 meters daily. The entire 22-kilometer stretch of the river is being dredged, and the construction of drains connecting the Brahmaputra to Kolongmukh has been completed. The project, costing approximately Rs 135 crore, is on the brink of success with a planned trial run to channel Brahmaputra water through newly built sluice gates at Hatimura in Kaliabor.

 

The Kolong River, a vital cultural and social lifeline for central Assam, had been dying since the 1970s. In 1963, the river's mouth was closed to prevent Brahmaputra floods, leading to its gradual decline. Local communities have long appealed for its revival. The project, initiated on October 30, 2020, by the then Water Resources Minister Keshav Mahanta, aimed to restore the river's flow through the Nagaon district.

 

The current Water Resources Minister, Pijush Hazarika, has overseen the project closely, ensuring that the work progresses swiftly. The recent completion of the sluice gate construction marks a significant milestone, with the Kolong expected to flow in a controlled manner by 2024. The ongoing efforts to clean and dredge the river are part of a broader strategy to manage water flow and prevent flooding, addressing both environmental and socio-cultural concerns.

 

The responsibility for the Kolong River's development was assigned to WAPCOS, a subsidiary of the Central Water Resources Department, known for its international repute. Following a comprehensive survey and field visits in early 2020, WAPCOS initiated the construction of intake and appurtenant structures, marking the formal beginning of the revival project.

 

With the revival project nearing completion, the Kolong River is set to be reborn, fulfilling a long-standing dream of central Assam's residents. The project's successful execution promises to restore a crucial waterway and revitalize the region's social and cultural fabric.