In a major push to restore the environmental and historical significance of the Tocklai River, Jorhat local authorities have set a strict three-month deadline for the completion of a comprehensive cleaning and dredging project valued at Rs 5.26 crore.
The deadline was set on Wednesday after a high-level inspection of the ongoing work by Jorhat MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami and District Commissioner Jay Shivani. The restoration initiative, which commenced on November 19, is being executed by the Jorhat Municipal Corporation and funded through the 15th Finance Commission.
MLA Goswami expressed his satisfaction with the progress and the public support received. “It gives me great pleasure to inform the people of Jorhat that the dredging and cleaning work of the Tocklai River, at an estimated cost of Rs 5.26 crore is underway. Today, after discussions with the residents living on both sides of the river, they expressed their agreement and cooperation to assist in freeing up certain encroached areas. We believe this initiative will certainly revitalise the Tocklai River and benefit the city of Jorhat,” the MLA said.
The Tocklai River, once a vital lifeline for the town and the namesake of the world-renowned Tocklai Tea Research Centre, has suffered decades of neglect, pollution from waste dumping, and widespread illegal encroachment.
District Commissioner Jay Shivani stressed the historical importance of the restoration. “The Tocklai River has been an integral part of Jorhat’s heritage, and its restoration is crucial for both environmental and historical reasons. We have instructed the municipal body to ensure timely completion of this project within the stipulated three-month period,” DC Shivani said.
The project scope involves extensive dredging to enhance water flow, thorough waste removal, demolition of illegal structures, and the construction of retaining walls to prevent future encroachment and dumping. The promised cooperation from local residents in freeing up encroached zones marks a positive turning point for the long-overdue intervention.
