Cabinet okays 2,205cr project to fortify Brahmaputra riverbank

Guwahati: Assam cabinet on Wednesday approved a consolidated administrative sanction of Rs 2,205 crore for second phase of an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-aided project, which combined with the earlier phase aims to fortify nearly 250km of the Brahmaputra’s vulnerable riverbanks — accounts for almost 20% of the river’s reach within the state, offering long-term protection to communities at risk.Designed to shield communities from the devastating impact of floods and erosion, the Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project marks a bold step toward long-term climate resilience.The Phase II project will span 76km of anti-erosion works, 33km of embankment strengthening, and 17.72km of pro-siltation interventions across 13 districts.In another decision, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Assam Land Policy, 2019, allowing settlement of hereditary land — up to 50 bighas — for people belonging to Moran and Matak communities that have held possession for three generations.

These communities will also receive an extended two-month window to apply under Mission Basundhara.The cabinet also gave the nod to restructure the Assam village defence organisation, modernising the 1986 rules to better reflect today’s socio-economic realities and security needs.In a tribute to Assam’s legendary general Lachit Borphukan, it approved a revised estimate of Rs 249.78 crore for the construction of the Lachit Moidam Memorial and Cultural Complex at Lahdoigarh in Jorhat.

Protocol upgrades were also approved by the cabinet for the BTC, with the deputy chief executive member now accorded the rank of cabinet minister along with the chief executive member and executive members elevated to the rank of minister of state.The cabinet approved amendments to the Assam Police Act, 2025. In a gesture of cultural support, the govt will provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to each of the 2,068 Raas committees across Assam and Rs 50,000 to each of the 67 committees in Majuli.Further, the state’s share of GST revenue from the film ‘Roi Roi Binale (Zubeen’s Garg’s last film) will be handed over to the Kala Guru Artiste Foundation.