PASIGHAT, Dec 20: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today attended the celebration of Siang River Festival, Siang chapter of the Brahmaputra Utsav here in presence of his cabinet colleagues and legislators.
Speaking at the inaugural event of the festival, the CM hoped that the festival will go a long way in spreading awareness on river rejuvenation and conservation. He also said the festival is an opportunity to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of the local tribes and to promote eco-tourism activities in the region.
On repeated threats from floodwaters of Siang river during the monsoon, the CM assured for measures to protect, maintain and stabilize the riverbanks of Siang river to prevent it from causing erosion and floods. He said it’s important that the flow of Siang river is kept in control to prevent loss of properties and damages to agriculture fields. Also the CM expressed keenness on having discussions with the local community for protection of Siang river. 
DCM Chowna Mein, MLA Kaling Moyong, Brahmaputra Board Chairman Rajiv Yadav, CS Naresh Kumar and DC East Siang Dr Kinny Singh also spoke on the occasion. 
The two-day mega event is being organized by State Government in collaboration with the Brahmaputra Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The main objective of the festival is to generate awareness on river cleaning, rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting, tourism development etc. It is being celebrated with the theme of river rejuvenation, freedom struggle and eco-tourism as part of the continuing celebration of 75th years of India’s Independence, portraying country’s freedom struggle based on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. 
The event witnessed cultural presentations by the folk artistes from various Northeastern states under the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC). 
Earlier the CM attended a traditional Adi ritual made in reverence and adoration to the mighty Siang river. This was followed by his visit to inspection of stalls by various SHGs and departments.  Deputy Chief Minister in his address  advocated for ‘catchment water protection ‘as one of key measures for river rejuvenation & conservation efforts. He also said that we must  work together to combat  river pollution, specially plastic menace endangering acquatic life. The effects of climate change has done considerable damage to our rivers  & hence we must join together to save our  pristine rivers.

On the occasion, the DCM also paid tribute to the Freedom Fighters of the State & the Nation in general, adding that the contribution of many unsung freedom fighters from our State must be given due recognisation. The ongoing research & documentation process  to identify the unsung heroes of the state entrusted to the Rajiv Gandhi University by the State Government is a step in that direction , on the occasion  the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Chairperson Brahmaputra Board Rajiv Yadav in his brief address gracing the occasion as Special Guest said that
rivers and streams are dynamic waterways that are always changing and part of this change occurs during river bank erosion causing harmful outcomes. 
"We have to prevent polluted runoff to check soil erosion. Initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jal Shakti Ministry is celebrating River Festivals throughout country for river rejuvenation and the board will take real action to reduce soil erosion by adopting appropriate projects being offered by experts," he said.

---

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
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List