Chief Minister says nearly one lakh beneficiaries have been identified for assistance; NHIDCL to be urged to improve drainage in flood-prone areas
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state government will begin measuring flood-damaged houses from August 9 to expedite relief and rehabilitation for families affected by the recent floods.
Speaking during his visit to flood-hit Sivasagar and Charaideo, the Chief Minister said nearly one lakh beneficiaries had already been identified for assistance after the district administration’s list was verified by the government.
“We have been meeting flood victims over the last two days and assuring them of relief. From August 9, we will begin detailed measurements of damaged houses so that assistance can be provided as quickly as possible,” he said.
The Chief Minister said temporary arrangements had been made for displaced families and assured that eligible beneficiaries would receive assistance under the government’s rehabilitation programme. During his visit, he distributed relief cheques and interacted with affected residents alongside ministers Pijush Hazarika, Bimal Bora and Sushanta Borgohain.
Referring to prolonged waterlogging, the Chief Minister said high water levels in the Brahmaputra had slowed drainage and added that he would urge the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to construct additional cross-drainage structures where highways have obstructed the natural flow of water.
On concerns over mining in neighbouring Nagaland, he said Assam lacked jurisdiction to halt activities outside the state and called for a scientific study into the causes of flooding. He also said embankments would be built wherever land was made available by local communities.
Responding to Akhil Gogoi’s demand for higher compensation, the Chief Minister said the government recognised the need for greater assistance but had to work within its financial constraints.
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