Sikkim Minister for WR/PHE/Eccls Sonam Lama represented the state at two major water management meetings in Guwahati on Tuesday. The meetings included the 14th High Powered Review Board session of the Brahmaputra Board and the 6th Governing Body Meeting of NERIWALM under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. During the discussions, the Union government officially included Sikkim and West Bengal as full-fledged members of the Brahmaputra Board.
Union ministers highlighted the importance of water resources for infrastructure, agriculture, and employment growth in Northeast India. Minister Sonam Lama called Sikkim’s inclusion a historic development and expressed hope for better solutions to the state’s water-related challenges.
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Key Facts
- State Represented: Sikkim
- Location of Meeting: Guwahati
- Main Event: 14th High Powered Review Board Meeting of Brahmaputra Board
- Chairperson: C. R. Paatil
- Key Announcement: Sikkim and West Bengal added as full members of the Brahmaputra Board
- Other Leaders Present: Sarbananda Sonowal and Raj Bhusan Chaudhary
- Institution Inaugurated: International Hostel-cum-Guest House of NERIWALM
Sikkim Participates in Major Water Management Meetings
Sonam Lama represented Sikkim at two important meetings related to water and land management in Guwahati.
The meetings included the 14th High Powered Review Board session of the Brahmaputra Board and the 6th Governing Body Meeting of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM).
The Sikkim delegation also included WRD Secretary L. D. Lamtha and PCE/WRD Rajiv Subba.
Union Ministers Stress Northeast Development
Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil chaired the sessions. Meanwhile, Sarbananda Sonowal and Raj Bhusan Chaudhary also attended the meetings along with ministers from all Northeastern states.
During the discussions, Minister Paatil urged officials to complete ongoing projects quickly. He also stated that the Brahmaputra Board can support infrastructure growth and overall development across Northeast India.
In addition, Union ministers highlighted the strong potential of the region’s water resources to improve agriculture, create jobs, and strengthen economic activities.
Sikkim Becomes Full Member of Brahmaputra Board
The meeting became significant after the Union government officially included Sikkim and West Bengal as full-fledged members of the Brahmaputra Board.
Minister Sonam Lama described the decision as a historic achievement for Sikkim. Furthermore, he thanked the Union government for including the state in the Board.
He also raised several issues affecting Sikkim and expressed confidence that the Board would help the state find practical and long-term solutions.
The meeting agenda was coordinated by Brahmaputra Board Chairman Ranbir Singh.
NERIWALM Infrastructure Strengthened
Later in the day, C. R. Paatil virtually inaugurated the International Hostel-cum-Guest House of NERIWALM.
Officials stated that the new infrastructure will strengthen research, training, and institutional support for water and land management in the Northeast region.
Importance of Northeast India
Northeast India holds major strategic importance because of its rich water resources, hydropower potential, and agricultural opportunities. Therefore, stronger regional cooperation through institutions like the Brahmaputra Board can improve connectivity, flood management, and economic development across the region.
Question and Answer Section
What major announcement was made during the meeting?
The government announced that Sikkim and West Bengal are now full members of the Brahmaputra Board.
Who represented Sikkim at the meetings?
Sonam Lama represented the state.
Where were the meetings held?
The meetings took place in Guwahati.
Which Union ministers attended the event?
C. R. Paatil, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Raj Bhusan Chaudhary attended the meetings.
What did the Union government inaugurate later in the day?
The government virtually inaugurated the International Hostel-cum-Guest House of NERIWALM.
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