Dibrugarh: Reviving Majuli’s historic water channels could restore more than waterways, opening new possibilities for agriculture, livelihoods, tourism and ecological conservation.Majuli DC Ratul Chandra Pathak on Thursday inspected clearing and development works at Bhakati Beel and Tuni river, reviewing a project to revive the two water bodies.Bhakati Beel, meaning “the beel of devotion”, has long held cultural and ecological importance. Tuni, a Brahmaputra tributary, has suffered years of siltation, water hyacinth infestation and neglect, leaving stretches choked with weeds.Pathak reviewed tourism potential, fish production, aquatic resource conservation and livelihood opportunities for communities. Discussions also focused on using the river and beel for irrigation in surrounding villages.“The rejuvenation of these historic water bodies can bring lasting positive change to our local economy, agriculture, fish production, tourism, and above all, the livelihoods of our people. We are looking at this holistically,” DC said.He held discussions with officials from the water resources, public works, agriculture and irrigation departments and residents. The meeting covered increasing water retention capacity, improving water management and developing irrigation infrastructure alongside fisheries and tourism.Officials said earlier efforts on Tuni transformed stretches of the neglected waterway into a river tourism destination, attracting visitors for boat rides amid migratory birds and scenic surroundings. The administration hopes Bhakati Beel project will build on that momentum.“If we plan and execute this well, it can open a door to new possibilities for the people living around these water bodies,” DC said.
