(a) the details of progress made in the dredging operations in Brahmputra river before the
onset of Monsoon and flooding season during the current year alongwith cost incurred thereon;
and
(b) the extent to which in helped in reducing the devastation caused by floods in Brahmaputra?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b) As per the information provided by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI),
IWAI undertakes dredging operations for maintaining the required width and depth in the
navigational channel. The need of dredging for this purpose arises only during lean season
(October to March) when water depth reduces below required depth. During 2007-08, IWAI has
executed 42090 cubic meter of dredging for providing navigation channel. IWAI has further
informed that during the year 2007-08, a hydraulic surface dredger was made available by them
to the State Government of Assam on their request for dredging in river Brahmaputra at Majuli
Island for flood control measure. An expenditure of Rs. 36.57 lakh was incurred for dredging
operation in National Waterway No.2 (Brahmaputra River), of which Rs.9.83 lakh was contributed
by the State Govt. The dredging from channel resulted in diversion of part flow from the
channel which was causing bank erosion.