- Monitoring of Arsenic and Fluoride in Ground Water in Sensitive Blocks of Assam: The previous project - Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services Project (ARIAS) has played a very crucial role in heralding a new era in the state of Assam which has been described as a ‘Green Revolution’ through its various activities more particularly the shallow tube well (STW) programme. A total of 70,000 STW have been installed under ARIAS. During implementation of ARIAS, a study entitled “Safe yield of Groundwater and level of iron, arsenic, fluoride and hydrocarbon in Assam” was carried out to assess the quantity and quality of groundwater. The study revealed that 36 Development Blocks in 12 Districts of Assam are sensitive for Arsenic while 12 Development Blocks in 8 Districts are sensitive for Fluoride and require further monitoring. The World Bank has also restricted STW installation in the 36 Arsenic sensitive Blocks pending further detailed study. Therefore in AACP, it is envisaged that arsenic and fluoride content in groundwater in 36 and 12 sensitive blocks of Assam respectively may be monitored on six-monthly basis during next 5 years by engaging a Consultant. This study is expected to provide more comprehensive information on Arsenic sensitive pockets in these Blocks which will enable the PCU to formulate a safeguard policy on STW activity in such areas.
- Biodiversity Assessment of AACP Beels: The study will assess the positive or negative impacts on the biodiversity of the wetlands proposed for development under AACP. This will enable the PCU to adopt safeguard measures towards conservation of the unique biodiversity of the state based on the recommendations from the study.
- Study on impact of exotic carps to natural environment: The study would detail the impacts of introduction of silver and grass carp on the natural environment and at the same time develop packages for production of alternate fish species to replace common carp in freshwater aquaculture.
- Study of the Peri-urban Dairy farms for improving quality of milk and Environment: The objective of the study is to develop a code of practice for the peri-urban dairy farms to improve the milk production and quality thereof, hygienic conditions and surrounding environment. In addition to this, the study shall specify the siting guidelines, design requirements, construction guidelines and operational guidelines for peri-urban dairies.
- Study of feasibility of Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP): Feasibility study will be carried out before setting up of the Effluent Treatment Plant for the milk processing unit at Guwahati, under the Directorate of Dairy Development.
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