Why is the Brahmaputra River in the News this Year?
The Brahmaputra River, flowing through the northeastern region of India, has been dominating the news lately, particularly due to floods and the inauguration of a groundbreaking river-crossing ropeway. This article explores the current events and the impact of these developments on the local communities and tourism in Guwahati.
The Assam Floods
Currently, the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger mark in several towns across Assam, including Guwahati, Tezpur, Dhubri, and Goalpara. Its tributaries such as Dhansiri, Jia Bharali, Kopili, Beki, and Sankosh are also experiencing dangerously high water levels in Dhubri.
The floods have taken the lives of 127 animals and displaced many more, to be rescued in the Kaziranga National Park. The deluge has affected over a million people in Bihar, where relief packets have been air-dropped in the impacted districts.
Guwahati Ropeway: A Landmark Engineering Project
Amid the challenges posed by the floods, Guwahati has witnessed the inauguration of a significant infrastructural project: the longest river ropeway in India. This unique engineering marvel connects the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra River, reducing travel time between the two sides and providing a more efficient and eco-friendly transport option.
Details of the Guwahati Ropeway
The ropeway, spanning a distance of approximately two kilometers, was inaugurated on August 24, 2020, by Assam health and education minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Guwahati development department minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya. This innovative transport solution uses Swiss-built cabins that can accommodate 30 passengers per ride and move 250 people per hour.
The journey from Kachari Ghat, located on the southern bank of the river, to the northern part of Guwahati, which previously took 45-60 minutes by road or ferry, can now be completed in just eight minutes via the ropeway. The one-way ticket costs INR 60, while a return journey is priced at INR 100.
The construction of the project began in December 2009, but faced several setbacks. One of the primary issues was the permission required from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which was initially denied due to the proximity of the well foundation number two to a heritage site. However, after adjustments and the granting of permission, the project was finally completed.
The ropeway passes over Peacock Island, home to the famous Umananda Temple, the smallest human habituated river island in the world, making it a spectacular sight for both locals and tourists.
Conclusion
The Brahmaputra River continues to play a crucial role in the lives and development of the communities it passes through. While the recent floods pose significant challenges, the inauguration of the longest river ropeway in India marks a positive step towards improving transportation and tourism in Guwahati. As the region recovers, innovative solutions like this ropeway will undoubtedly play a vital role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters and enhancing the quality of life for the local population.