Assam Launches Rs 796 Crore Project to Revive State Wetlands

Guwahati: Assam has kicked off Project S.W.I.F.T., a Rs 796.88-crore push to breathe life back into 71 traditional water bodies. The initiative spans 23 districts and targets nearly 4,000 hectares of wetlands. It is a big move for the state. Supported by the Asian Development Bank, the project aims to fix ecological health while juicing up the local fisheries sector.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pushed the plan on Thursday. He noted that the state's water bodies, or beels, are central to local life. As Sarma put it, "The beels were closely linked to Assam's social and economic life."

The goal is to hike fish production by 6,000 metric tonnes. To hit this, the state expects to churn out 570 million fish fry every single year. The project also puts tools in the hands of the people. Officials will hand out 302 boats and fishing nets to beneficiaries.

Cash is also flowing to the next generation. The government will give Rs 50,000 grants to 1,000 young people to start their own businesses. For Self-Help Groups, the state is setting up 30 fish feed units and 100 fish processing units. These facilities will help tighten the local fisheries value chain and ensure the wetlands stay productive for years to come.