Latest news with #BhaskarSharma
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Assam signs MoU with IIT-G to train WRD engineers
Guwahati: Looking to strengthen scientific capacity in managing floods and water resources, Assam on Thursday signed an MoU with IIT-Guwahati for a two-year online M-Tech programme for water resources department (WRD) engineers. The course will focus on flood control, sediment studies, climate resilience and sustainable water management. As per the agreement signed between IIT-Guwahati director, Sukumar Nandi, and chief engineer of the water resources department, Bhaskar Sharma, 20 engineers from the department will be able to enrol in an online course on water resources each year. As part of a comprehensive project under the Assam Flood and River Erosion Management Agency (FREMAA), with World Bank assistance, the initiative aims to provide advanced technical knowledge to about 200 engineers from the department over the next 10 years. Water resources minister Pijush Hazarika said, "Just as those in the medical field regularly participate in seminars and courses to acquire new knowledge and innovations, it is crucial for engineers involved in sensitive areas like water resources to stay updated on modern technology." He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the WRD operates with an annual budget of approximately Rs 2000 crore and managed to reduce flood impact by 60-70% over the past four years. He further said, "Floods have held Assam back for many years. Currently, there is no shortage of funds, but a permanent solution is not possible without the right use of technology." The minister expressed hope that this academic collaboration with IIT-Guwahati will make the department more technically capable. He also mentioned that the state has about 4500 km of embankments, many portions of which urgently need renovation with modern technology. He believes the agreement with IIT Guwahati will play a significant role in this regard. The minister also noted that the department successfully completed embankment repairs using geo-mega tubes during heavy rains in a short period. He urged the engineers to make the most of this opportunity to bring modernization and efficiency to the state's flood and erosion control systems.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Descendant of tea pioneer crowned new Singpho chief
Dibrugarh: In a historic ceremony steeped in tradition, was coronated as the 8th chief (raja) of the on Saturday at Bisa village in Assam's Tinsukia district. The event marked the continuation of a legacy that dates back two centuries, when his ancestor Bisa Gam Singpho first introduced tea to the British, altering the course of Assam's and India's economic history. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The coronation ceremony, held with traditional Buddhist rituals, saw the presence of dignitaries, including Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, Margherita Assistant Commissioner Pratim Gogoi. Buddhist monks (Vantes) conducted the religious rites, invoking blessings for the new chief and the community. The new chief will oversee Singpho affairs across three regions — Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India, and neighbouring Kachin State in Myanmar — highlighting the cross-border nature of the community's cultural connections that predate modern national boundaries. The Singpho community's connection with tea is legendary. In 1823, Bisa Gam Singpho, an ancestor of the newly coronated chief, showed wild tea bushes to Scottish explorer Robert Bruce in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley. This discovery led to the commercial cultivation of tea in Assam, with the first 12 chests of reaching London auctions shortly after. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the Assam Company India Limited (ACIL), the first tea plantation company in India and the world. The new chief, Bisa Mungdang Gam Singpho, is the eldest son of the late Bisa Nong Singpho, who passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 76. The former chief was widely respected for his efforts in uniting communities and preserving Singpho culture. His last rites were performed with state honours, reflecting his significant contributions. Speaking after his coronation, the new chief expressed his commitment to upholding his father's legacy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "It is an honour and a great responsibility to lead our community. My father worked tirelessly to preserve our culture and strengthen bonds between communities. I will continue his mission while also addressing the challenges our people face today," he said. Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma praised the Singpho community's historical and cultural significance. "The Singpho people have made immeasurable contributions to our region. Their ancestor's introduction of tea to the British transformed Assam's economy and put India on the global tea map. Today's ceremony is a reminder of that legacy. The coronation of the new chief is a moment of pride for the people of Assam," he remarked.
