- Dong dam is the lifeline of farmers, government will give full support: Minister Ashok Singhal

Baksa (Assam), 16 July (HS): Irrigation and Health and Family Welfare Minister of Assam Government Ashok Singhal on Wednesday participated in an important meeting at the Baksa District Commissioner's Office. In this meeting, the security system of Dong dams of Baksa and Tamulpur districts and the problems related to them were discussed in detail. Officials of several Dong Dam Management Committees of both the districts were present in the meeting.

Minister Singhal said that these traditional Dong dams have been kept alive by local committees for about 80 years. He said that these dams are a natural heritage for Assam and the government is fully committed to their protection. Describing it as the lifeline of the farmers, he directed the Irrigation Department to inspect the Dong dams of Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur districts and prepare a detailed report.

In the meeting, a memorandum was submitted to the minister on behalf of the Dong Dam Committees, which included problems such as repair of big trees, stones and natural canal gates that get washed away in the floods during the rains. The minister directed the concerned officials to resolve these problems immediately. Along with this, a proposal to increase the number of canals in Tamulpur district was also discussed.

Minister Singhal also asked the officials of the Irrigation Department to consider how the Dong Dam system can be implemented in other irrigation projects of the state. He directed to prepare a comprehensive report by studying the need, functioning and social impact of the Dong Dams.

Bodoland Territorial Council Chairman Katiram Bodo, District Commissioner Gautam Das, senior officials of the Irrigation Department, representatives of the district administration and members of the Dong dam Committees of both the districts were present in this meeting.

Earlier this morning, Minister Ashok Singhal also conducted a surprise inspection of Dr. Ravi Bodo Civil Hospital in Musalpur. He inspected each ward, registration room, dialysis unit and maternity ward of the hospital. While talking to the patients and their relatives, he instructed the district administration to ensure facilities like seating arrangements, drinking water and fans in view of the crowd in the registration room. He also stressed on increasing the availability of necessary equipment and services in the hospital.

During this inspection, Katiram Bodo, District Commissioner Gautam Das and senior officials of the Health Department were also present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash