Introduction of Assam Urban Water Bodies Bill, 2024
In response to the recent flood situation in Guwahati, the Assam cabinet has taken decisive action by approving the Assam Urban Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2024. This bill aims to protect and conserve water bodies within the Master Plan Area of all towns and cities in Assam. The legislation is set to be introduced in the upcoming session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Key Provisions of the Bill
1. Preservation and Conservation of Water Bodies:
The bill focuses on the preservation, protection, rejuvenation, conservation, regulation, and maintenance of water bodies, including natural water channels, within Assam’s urban Master Plan areas. By scheduling and notifying all water bodies with detailed Dag numbers and village information, authorities will be better equipped to demarcate and protect these crucial resources from encroachment.
2. Action Plan for Water Body Conservation:
The bill mandates the formulation of action plans, schemes, and projects aimed at the conservation and protection of water bodies. This includes utilizing GIS portals to provide transparency and easy access to information regarding the state’s water bodies.
3. Inclusion of Private and Community Water Bodies:
All private water bodies with an area of two acres or more, as well as all community water bodies, ponds, and tanks (including those belonging to religious institutions), will be covered under the bill. However, private water bodies under two acres and those located within Reserved Forests, Wildlife Sanctuaries, or National Parks are exempt from the bill’s provisions.
4. Strengthening Local Drainage Systems:
The bill also seeks to enhance the local drainage system by bolstering the retention capacity of water bodies, thereby mitigating the risk of flash floods in Assam’s urban areas.
5. Establishment of Committees:
Two levels of committees—district and state—will be established under the bill. The district-level committee will conduct detailed surveys to identify all water bodies for inclusion in the schedule. The state-level committee will have the authority to approve or reject any land allotment actions involving identified water bodies, ensuring their protection.
6. Penalties for Violations:
Violating any provisions of the Act will be considered a punishable offense, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1,00,000, or both. Offenders will also be required to restore the affected water body to its original state.
Streamlining Pension Processing in Assam
In addition to the bill on water bodies, the Assam cabinet also approved a proposal to streamline the pension processing system in the state. This decision involves transferring the management of 33 Pension Sewa Kendras (PSKs) from the Department of Administrative Reforms, Training, Pension, and Public Grievances (ARTPPG) to the Department of School Education, effective September 1, 2024.
Enhancing Pension Processing Efficiency
1. Improved Digital Infrastructure:
By leveraging the existing infrastructure and expertise within the Department of School Education, the government aims to achieve significant cost efficiency and improve the digital footprint of pension processing across the state.
2. Efficient Management of PSKs:
The PSKs will be managed by permanent employees of the Education Department, ensuring greater accountability and improved service delivery for pensioners in Assam.
Conclusion
These landmark decisions by the Assam cabinet demonstrate a commitment to addressing pressing urban challenges and improving governance mechanisms. The introduction of the Assam Urban Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2024, is a proactive step toward combating urban floods, while the streamlining of pension processing reflects the state’s dedication to efficient public service delivery.
Also read: Election Commission of India to Undertake Special Summary Revision of Assam’s Electoral Rolls
