The Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyan (BAA) rafting expedition was flagged off from Guwahati. The flag off was done by Rajiv Yadav, Chairman, Brahmaputra Board in Guwahati on January 15, 2021. The BAA team will now continue on their journey through Lower Assam till they reach their destination, Assameralga on the 23rd January, 2021.
Earlier on January 14, a day-long progamme was organized for the team before they embark on their journey downstream. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat interacted with the participating organizations and other associates involved with BAA at Pragjyoti Cultural Complex, Machkhowa in Guwahati.
Upon reaching the venue, the Minister visited the exhibition and demonstration organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Minister along with Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Transport, Parliamentary Affairs, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Industry and Commerce in Government of Assam felicitated the winners of the inter-college essay writing and debate competition organised by the Brahmaputra Board as part of the Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyan. Rajiv Yadav, Chairman, Brahmaputra Board, NDRF officials and other esteemed guests were also present for the same.
The members of the Rafting team were felicitated as well and were lauded for their relentless zeal and enthusiasm regarding the Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyaan. After a round of introductory remarks and speeches made by the Ministers, the event was followed by an evening of cultural performances as well.
Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyan, an initiative of the Government of India, organized by the Brahmaputra Board (Ministry of Jal Shakti), has a two-pronged approach - a public outreach programme focusing on the younger generation to inculcate the concept of 'Living with the River', and a combined scientific data collection and analysis on river water quality, river sediment, riverbank erosion and fish habitat along the entire route of the expedition.
The expedition is being supported by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, various Government Organizations viz.- North Eastern Council (MoDoNER), WAPCOS Ltd., Oil India Ltd., NHPC Ltd., National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL).