OIL gives 40-kw solar power plant to eco-tourism project

Utpal Bora, Chairman and Managing Director, Oil India Limited inaugurated a 40 KW Solar Power Plant in Sasoni Merbeel Eco-Tourism Project, which has been provided by OIL under the Company’s CSR initiatives. OIL had sanctioned a financial package of Rs 1 (One) Crore, which included besides the Solar Power Plant, other components like 13 pedal boats, a four wheeler, two eco friendly green vehicles, construction of Jetty and a bio digester plant bio digester for Sewage disposal.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, Shri Utpal Bora complimented the Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Development Committee for their efforts in conservation of the Merbeel and successfully converting it to a popular eco tourism destination. 

He assured that Oil India Limited is always committed to such meaningful environment preservation and community development initiatives and expressed his confidence that once all the remaining infrastructure related components of the project which have been funded by the Government of Assam is completed, Sasoni Merbeel will be able to become a leading eco-tourism destination in the country.  

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Shri Pranjit Deka, General Manager (Public Affairs), OIL, Shri Dilip Kumar Das, General Manager (CSR), OIL, Shri Moni Manik Gogoi, President, Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Development Committee, Shri Rameshwar Bora, veteran social worker, Shri Gajen Mahanta, Satradhikar, Bareghar Satra, Shri Subhas Dutta, Spokesperson of State BJP, Shri Shyam Kanu Mahanta, MD, MMS Advisory Pvt Ltd including senior officers from OIL and people of Sasoni and adjoining areas. 

The Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Project located in the heart of the operational area of Oil India Limited, around 20 odd kms from OIL’s Field HQs, Duliajan in Dibrugarh District is all set to become one of Assam’s most sought after natural retreat.  Merbeel is an ox-bow lake in Naharkatia LAC in Dibrugarh district and covers an area of almost 1550 bighas including an island of around 933 bighas. 

Within 2KMs from the Island, there is another wetland called Gudhabeel, which is home to several varieties of local and migratory birds. The wetland is also famous for endangered species of fresh water turtles and various other aquatic life forms.