Uma seeks World Heritage Site for Majuli, wants it as spiritual tourist destination

Majuli, Assam: Union Minister for Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti today wanted the world's largest river island Majuli in Assam should be declared as a spiritual tourist destination soon and included in the World Heritage Site.During her interaction with the Satradhikars (heads) of the Satras (monasteries) of 16th century Vaishnavite socio-religious reformer Srimanta Sankardev in Majuli today, Bharti said, "Majuli is unique both geographically and culturally. Because of its religious importance Majuli is one of the holiest places of the world."[caption id="attachment_1664789" align="alignleft" width="380"] Union Minister Uma Bharti. PTI[/caption]The first Union Minister to spend two nights in the holy river island since yesterday, Bharti said, "as soon as I heard about Majuli it struck a cord in my heart.I was wondering how to reach Majuli and see this wonderful holy river island. It should be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list."She also said both the state and Central governments will have to work together to save Majuli from erosion and its inclusion in the UNESCO map.The Union Minister further discussed the problems of the island in Jorhat district with the Satra Adhikars at Auniati Satra, Goromur Satra and held meeting with the heads of the Water Resource Department, Inland Water Transport Department and Brahmaputra Board here today and took stock of the situation during the perennial flood season when the mighty Brahmaputra flows at its peak.Bharti visited the worst flood affected and erosion hit areas like Halmora, Sumoimari, Dhokhinpat, Sonowal-Kackari and Afola Mukh.She also held discussions with 16 leading organisation such as the Asom Jatiya Yuba Chara Parishad, All Assam Students Union, BJP Zila Committee, Takam Mising Porin Kebang, senior citizens, among others. PTI