PASIGHAT, Dec 30: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice Ratan Lal Kataria today while addressing a mass awareness function of the Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyan (BAA) here at the CHF auditorium called for people’s participation for rejuvenation and revival of the rivers of the country.
While affirming that rivers have played a significant role in growth of human civilizations, the Union MoS said for realising the concept of ‘Living with the River’ which the BAA rafting expedition is trying to disseminate, mass awareness and participation is necessary for attaining the goals of sustainable living, revival of rivers, protection of ecosystem and maintenance of water quality. He also felicitated the winners of various competitions organized as part of the BAA, which he said will go a long way in formulation of the Water Rejuvenation Policy. Reiterating that Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide  water supply to every household of the country by 2024, the MoS highlighted the welfare measures like scholarships for ST/SC students, drive against drug abuse, welfare measures for senior citizens etc. under the Union Ministry of Social Justice. MLAs Lombo Tayeng, Ninong Ering and Kaling Moyong, DC East Siang Dr Kinny Singh,  SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh, CE-WRD Getom Borang, President, ABK Youth Wing Joluk Minung and Secretary, Brahmaputra Board V.D. Roy were present on the occasion.
Besides committing to extend a proper and feasible water management policy for Arunachal Pradesh, the Union MoS assured full support and fund provision for flood protection measures to combat the annual woes faced by the state due to the rampaging Siang. Earlier, the MLAs apprised him on annual monsoon floods caused by Siang and its tributaries like Sibo Korong and Remi. Memorandums in this regard were also submitted by the MLAs to the Union MoS on his arrival on Tuesday. State Tourism Secretary Sadhana Deori said that the BAA besides aiming to propagate mass environmental awareness also focuses on responsible and eco-tourism which are pursued by the state. The day-long awareness programme was attended by NCC cadets, youth wing of Adi Baane Kebang, members of ABK Women Wing, volunteers of NYK, students of IGJ Government Higher Secondary, JNC, NDRF and other BBA team members. The programme also saw interaction with the expedition team members, presentation on Sustainable Fishing by Sr. Scientist, CIFRI Dr. Dipesh Debnath and on Erosion & Sedimentation by Professor Subashisha Dutta from IIT. Visuals on early flood warning system and UAV, awareness on search and rescue by NDRF, presentation on flood forecasting by EE, Central Water Commission, deliberation on BAA by Secretary, Brahmaputra Board were other highlights of the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Union MoS also visited Komlighat where a detailed plan for flood protection measures of Pasighat and adjoining areas was presented to him by EE-WRD Gonong Pertin in the presence of DC and CE-WRD Getom Borang. The EE apprised the MoS that the flood control structure constructed in 2000 had outlived its designed period and is now completely deteriorated needing immediate replacement by a permanent and improved structure.The MoS assured his Ministry’s assistance in terms of funds for flood protection works.
The BAA which is jointly organized by Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Tourism, GoAP and NDRF had completed the Arunachal leg of the expedition in Pasighat on Tuesday. DIPRO    

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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