Guwahati, Jan 7 (NationPress) As part of efforts to tackle flooding and erosion in Assam’s Dhakuakhana, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stones for multiple initiatives totaling Rs 272.21 crore during his visit to Lakhimpur district on Wednesday.

The array of projects aims to promote heritage and advance public welfare. Notably, a significant long-term strategy to mitigate the recurring flood and erosion challenges in Dhakuakhana involves a scheme stretching from Bamuni Chapori to Tekeliphuta under the Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Erosion Risk Management project, backed by the Asian Development Bank at an investment of Rs 147.70 crore.

This project encompasses two vital stretches measuring 4.50 kilometers and 3.50 kilometers.

The Chief Minister further initiated a project worth Rs 89.86 crore to enhance the Dhakuakhana Sub Divisional Civil Hospital, expanding it from 100 to 200 beds and including the construction of residential quarters.

To foster the growth of the historic Sri Sri Basudeb Than, the Chief Minister also laid the groundwork for a project covering over 200 bighas at a cost of Rs 14.65 crore. This venture encompasses the renovation of the kirtan ghar, construction of a guest house, the main entrance gate, a cultural auditorium, staff quarters for security personnel, shops, and other essential facilities.

Additionally, a project worth Rs 20 crore was launched to develop the heritage of Faat Bihu in Dhakuakhana, spanning more than 36 bighas. This initiative will include a 12-room guest house, a covered stage with a seating capacity of over 1,000 people, separate changing rooms for men and women, open-air Bihu stages in existing and newly developed areas, about 60 circular platforms of six meters in diameter surrounding trees, walkways, two statues, entrance gates, ticket counters, drainage systems, boundary walls, a commercial center, gardens, and additional amenities.

During the event, Chief Minister Sarma announced plans to construct and upgrade the Majuli Bogibeel connecting embankment road as a state highway, along with a Rs 50 crore allocation for the establishment of a district-level stadium featuring an athletic track in Dhakuakhana, in addition to a cold storage facility.

Sarma emphasized that Dhakuakhana bears historical significance in the social and economic landscape of Assam. He reminisced about how various rivers once enriched Dhakuakhana's farmlands with fertile silt and highlighted the vibrant trade conducted via river transport.

He noted that Basudeb Than and Harhi Devalaya have significantly contributed to the area's spiritual landscape.

Referring to Faat Bihu as a shared heritage among the diverse communities in greater Dhakuakhana, Sarma shared his experiences of visiting Dhakuakhana numerous times during his nearly four and a half years in office, marking the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for several projects.

He observed that these developmental initiatives have undoubtedly transformed the lives of the Dhakuakhana populace.

The Chief Minister further stated that the road connecting Dhakuakhana from Majuli to Bogibeel has become a lifeline for the region. He remarked on the embankment constructed by the Water Resources Department from Lotachur to Tekeliphuta, approximately 20.17 kilometers long, which has shielded Dhakuakhana and parts of Majuli from flooding.

While the embankment has effectively managed flooding, riverbank erosion remains a pressing issue.