New Delhi, Aug.20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday met Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C R Paatil in the national capital and discussed strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security in Assam.
The meeting, held at the Union Minister’s official residence, was attended by officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Assam.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister specifically discussed measures to strengthen the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Assam and the ongoing rejuvenation of Silsako Beel, one of Guwahati’s important urban wetlands.
Highlighting the Centre’s continued support, the Chief Minister said the Jal Shakti Ministry has been a valuable partner in the ₹237-crore Silsako Beel rejuvenation project, aimed at restoring the water-retention capacity of the wetland. The project is targeted for completion next year.
In a post on X following the meeting, Sarma said, “Under Hon’ble Minister Shri @CRPaatil Ji, the Jal Shakti Ministry has placed equal emphasis on expanding water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security.”
The Chief Minister said these priorities had also shaped his discussions with the Union Minister, with particular focus on strengthening JJM in Assam and expediting the rejuvenation of Silsako Beel.
The ₹237-crore project is aimed at improving the wetland’s capacity to retain and regulate water, thereby contributing to flood mitigation and better management of Guwahati’s urban water system.
Sarma expressed confidence that the collaboration between Assam and the Ministry of Jal Shakti would be further strengthened in the coming years.
“We look forward to extending this collaboration for the rejuvenation of urban water bodies and wetlands across Assam,” the Chief Minister said in his post on X.
The State Government has been according priority to the conservation and rejuvenation of urban wetlands and water bodies as part of its broader efforts to strengthen flood management, improve water security and build climate-resilient urban infrastructure across Assam.
