Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge), & Civil Aviation, has assured that the Centre will take all possible steps to expedite the proposal of World Heritage site status for Majuli island located in the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
Sharma held a meeting with Uma Bharti, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, and Sarbananda Sonowalin, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, in this regard in New Delhi. Sharma said that the Ministry of Culture is already working closely with the state of Assam to assist them in finalising the proposal. The state government will be assisted to overcome all roadblocks, he assured.
Bharti explained the need to conserve the culturally and historically rich island as it is dramatically shrinking in size due to erosion. ASI must carry out a survey of the ancient artefacts at the island to facilitate the proposal for World Heritage site, she added.
Sonowal , who is the MP from the area, explained that the Majuli island is the largest river island in the world and has a population of about two lakhs, both tribal as well as non-tribal. He requested Dr Mahesh Sharma to provide tourism infrastructure at Majuli islands like a Guest house, an auditorium and a Museum.
Sharma said that the Tourism Ministry is committed to develop Majuli island as a tourist destination , especially with the help of Cruise tourism and the Culture Ministry will extend all help to the proposal for World Heritage site.
Lalit Panwar, Secretary Tourism, and senior officers of the Culture Ministry were present at the meeting.
