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Guwahati, July 3 - Assam has asked the centre for help in installing an advanced weather information-sharing mechanism with neigbouring countries like China, Bhutan and Myanmar, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Tuesday.
This is for better monitoring of natural disasters like the floods and erosion currently causing havoc in the state.
The chief minister told IANS that during his recent visit to the US, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the Earth Institute of Columbia University in New York to help the state develop a roadmap for water resource management.
The rainfall in neighbouring countries impacts Assam as the Brahmaputra river originates in China, while its major tributaries originate in the foothills of Bhutan. Thus more rainfall in China and Bhutan leads to overflowing of the rivers downstream
If we can have advanced information sharing mechanism installed involving neighbouring countries, then we can at least initiate measures to mitigate the impact of floods and other such natural disasters, said the chief minister.
I have visited the Earth Institute during my recent visit to US and invited its director, Jeffrey Sachs, to Assam. Professor Sachs has agreed to visit the state, Gogoi said.
The Earth Institute expressed its willingness to support the development of a roadmap for water resource management. The institute will also help the State Disaster Management Authority in evaluating the flood early-warning system, work towards increasing lead time and develop a strategy for last mile connectivity.
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