Government to restore Hasila, Urpad and Kumri Beels in Goalpara
CM Dr. Sarma visits Hasila Beel in Goalpara district
Government is working on a master plan to develop parts of Hasila Beel into an eco-tourism destination: CM
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today visited the Hasila Beel in Goalpara district and took stock of reclaimed areas of the Beel. The Chief Minister inspected the eco-sensitive Hasila Beel following a recent eviction drive carried out by the district administration. He walked through the site and interacted with the government officials to assess the extent of land freed from illegal encroachment.
Highlighting the ecological significance of Hasila Beel, the Chief Minister stated that the government is preparing a master plan to develop parts of the wetland into an eco-tourism destination, while preserving the surrounding areas as a Proposed Reserve Forest. He further said the government is giving serious consideration to the restoration of Urpad Beel, Kumri Beel and Hasila Beel in Goalpara district, in view of their ecological value.
The Chief Minister noted that the reclaimed land would be conserved as a vital ecological asset of the state. Referring to the Cabinet approval on July 22, the Chief Minister said that the State Cabinet has approved the proposal to notify Hasila Beel area as a Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. He said that this biodiversity-rich wetland, which supports rich flora and fauna plays a vital role in flood regulation, nutrient cycling, and maintaining hydrological balance. He also said that the Cabinet’s decision to conserve the Beel would sustain local communities through fisheries while protecting the aquatic ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also interacted with families evicted from the area and assured them that rehabilitation measures would be taken in accordance with government provisions.
It may be noted that State government undertook an eviction drive in the encroached land of Hasila Beel and reclaimed 495 acres of government notified wetlands from illegal encroachment. Chief Minister Dr Sarma today visited the Beel following the eviction drive.
Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, Special Chief Secretary MK Yadava, and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit to the Beel.
