The Assam government has embarked on an ambitious project to rejuvenate 129 beels, spanning 3,800 hectares, in a bid to mitigate floods and boost fish production. Beels, or wetlands, are vital water and fishery resources in the state, providing hydrological regulation services, including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, river flow regulation, and erosion control.

Over the years, these resources have faced significant challenges, leading to a decline in fish production. Key issues include low water levels due to heavy siltation in marginal areas and poor auto-stocking of fish resulting from silted river connecting channels.

Initially, 190 beels were identified by District Fisheries Development Officers, with 129 beels covering 3,800 hectares selected for the project using the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Screening Matrix. These beels have been geo-mapped by the Assam State Application Centre (ASSAC). Of these, 22 beels have been prioritized for project readiness, with contract agreements slated for signing in February 2025.

The project’s outlay is Rs 796.88 crore, with 80% funding from ADB and 20% from the state government. The final detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be completed by early November 2024, with detailed design and engineering estimates for 22 beels currently underway.

Under the project, several key components will be implemented, including:

Dredging and deepening of river connecting channels for effective water and fish flow

Desilting marginal areas to increase water holding capacity. De-weeding as required

Construction of site-specific water pools and water retaining structures for sustainable water storage and enhanced fish production.

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance fish production and mitigate flood risks in Assam, bolstering the state’s aquatic ecosystem.