Dibrugarh: Jorhat district administration on Monday launched a major clean-up campaign to rejuvenate the Bhogdoi River, a crucial waterbody that has long served as the lifeline of the town. The ambitious project, divided into three phases, aims to restore the river that has deteriorated due to decades of pollution and encroachment.
The clean-up drive was kicked off at the Puja Dubi Ghat by Jorhat MLA Hitendranath Goswami, accompanied by key administrative officials and prominent citizens. DC Jay Shivani, who is spearheading the initiative, said a dedicated 40-member team from Civil Defence, supported by civilian volunteers, will execute the operation.
"Bhogdoi is the lifeline of Jorhat town, but it has become virtually dead. Through this comprehensive clean-up drive, we are striving to give it a new lease of life," Shivani said.
The restoration project has been strategically planned in three phases. The initial phase, scheduled to span ten days, will focus on the stretch from Puja Dubi Ghat to the AT Road Bridge. Subsequent phases will cover the sections of the river from AT Road Bridge to Railway Iron Gate and from Railway Iron Gate to the Jorhat town bypass road bridge, respectively.
Dr Bolin Kharghoria, a noted physician and a long time resident of Jorhat, shared the historical context of the river.
"The old Jorhat town's civilization flourished along the banks of the Bhogdoi. Its current state is not just an environmental crisis but a loss of our heritage. With coordinated efforts from the administration and community participation, we hope to see the Bhogdoi return to its former glory," he said.
The river, stretching 160 km, is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra. Originating from Mokokchung in the Naga Hills of Nagaland, where it is known as Tsujenyong Nala, the river traverses 98 km before reaching Jorhat town. It then takes a northwestern course for 60 km, eventually joining the Dhansiri River near its confluence with the Brahmaputra.
Jorhat Municipal Board chairperson Lakhimi Kharghoria highlighted the factors contributing to the river's degradation. "Years of indiscriminate waste dumping, including disposal of clay idols during festivals, has severely impacted the river's flow. What was once a free-flowing river has become stagnant and polluted."
The initiative has garnered support from various sections of society, including educational institutions. Jorhat College principal Soumitra Pujari, who was present at the launch, said, "The success of the clean-up drive could potentially set a precedent for similar environmental restoration projects in the region, marking a crucial step toward preserving Assam's vital water resources for future generations."
Dibrugarh: Jorhat district administration on Monday launched a major clean-up campaign to rejuvenate the Bhogdoi River, a crucial waterbody that has long served as the lifeline of the town. The ambitious project, divided into three phases, aims to restore the river that has deteriorated due to decades of pollution and encroachment.
The clean-up drive was kicked off at the Puja Dubi Ghat by Jorhat MLA Hitendranath Goswami, accompanied by key administrative officials and prominent citizens. DC Jay Shivani, who is spearheading the initiative, said a dedicated 40-member team from Civil Defence, supported by civilian volunteers, will execute the operation.
"Bhogdoi is the lifeline of Jorhat town, but it has become virtually dead. Through this comprehensive clean-up drive, we are striving to give it a new lease of life," Shivani said.
The restoration project has been strategically planned in three phases. The initial phase, scheduled to span ten days, will focus on the stretch from Puja Dubi Ghat to the AT Road Bridge. Subsequent phases will cover the sections of the river from AT Road Bridge to Railway Iron Gate and from Railway Iron Gate to the Jorhat town bypass road bridge, respectively.
Dr Bolin Kharghoria, a noted physician and a long time resident of Jorhat, shared the historical context of the river.
"The old Jorhat town's civilization flourished along the banks of the Bhogdoi. Its current state is not just an environmental crisis but a loss of our heritage. With coordinated efforts from the administration and community participation, we hope to see the Bhogdoi return to its former glory," he said.
The river, stretching 160 km, is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra. Originating from Mokokchung in the Naga Hills of Nagaland, where it is known as Tsujenyong Nala, the river traverses 98 km before reaching Jorhat town. It then takes a northwestern course for 60 km, eventually joining the Dhansiri River near its confluence with the Brahmaputra.
Jorhat Municipal Board chairperson Lakhimi Kharghoria highlighted the factors contributing to the river's degradation. "Years of indiscriminate waste dumping, including disposal of clay idols during festivals, has severely impacted the river's flow. What was once a free-flowing river has become stagnant and polluted."
The initiative has garnered support from various sections of society, including educational institutions. Jorhat College principal Soumitra Pujari, who was present at the launch, said, "The success of the clean-up drive could potentially set a precedent for similar environmental restoration projects in the region, marking a crucial step toward preserving Assam's vital water resources for future generations."