Brahmaputra Board Launches Basistha River Restoration Project in Guwahati

Guwahati: The Brahmaputra Board has officially launched a riverfront development project in Guwahati to restore a neglected section of the Basistha river. Chairman Ranbir Singh inaugurated the initiative on Friday, joined by local residents and officials near the agency's headquarters. The project directly targets a stretch of the riverbank that had devolved into an illegal dumping site over the years.

This environmental degradation caused foul odors, mosquito infestations, and significant health concerns for the surrounding community. The Brahmaputra Board aims to reverse this damage by transforming approximately 370 meters of the riverfront into a functional public space. Planned improvements include the installation of pedestrian pathways, landscaping, plantation zones, and advanced waste management systems.

The agency is collaborating with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage to finalize the design. According to an official statement, the project is designed to be a model for future efforts, as officials seek to serve as a catalyst for wider regional restoration. The river flows from Meghalaya into Guwahati, passing through the historic Basistha Ashram before reaching the Deepor Beel wetland.