The Chief Minister said that Assam cannot stop mining in Nagaland, called for a scientific study into the floods and announced compensation, damage assessments and relief measures for affected families
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a large section of people in the flood-ravaged districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo depend on coal and stone mining in neighbouring Nagaland, urging local residents to decide whether such operations should continue.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid demands from opposition parties and civil society groups to halt alleged illegal mining along the Assam-Nagaland border, which they claim contributed to the recent floods in Upper Assam. “All the people in those affected places depend on mining. So, I have requested the public to give a decision,” he told reporters after visiting flood-hit areas.
The Chief Minister said Assam had no authority to stop mining inside Nagaland. “Assam cannot go and stop mining in Nagaland. At the most, we can stop the stone crushers at Bihubor. Coal mining also does not take place in Assam; it happens in Nagaland,” he said, adding that the issue would be taken up with the Centre.
The Chief Minister, however, declined to directly attribute the floods to mining activities, saying institutions such as the IITs should conduct a scientific assessment before any conclusions are drawn.
Furthermore, he directed officials to ensure adequate food, drinking water, healthcare and essential services in relief camps. He also toured several affected villages, including marooned areas, by rubber boat to assess the damage and interact with residents.
Also Read: Assam Flood Death Roll Reaches 89: 7,000 Affected by Guwahati Inundation
