Guwahati, 04 August (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that the state government will begin a detailed assessment of flood-damaged houses from August 9 to speed up relief and rehabilitation for affected families.

During his visit to flood-hit areas of Sivasagar and Charaideo districts, the Chief Minister said he had interacted with residents over the past two days and assured them that the government would provide all possible assistance. He said nearly one lakh flood-affected beneficiaries have already been identified, with the list prepared by district authorities verified by the state government to ensure timely distribution of aid.

Sarma said displaced families are currently being accommodated in relief camps, while eligible beneficiaries will receive support for reconstruction of their homes under the government's rehabilitation programme.

Addressing the issue of prolonged waterlogging in several towns, the Chief Minister attributed the situation to the unusually high water level of the Brahmaputra, which has slowed the natural drainage process. He also acknowledged that certain highway stretches have obstructed the flow of floodwater and said the state would request the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to build additional cross-drainage structures.

On allegations that mining activities in neighbouring Nagaland were contributing to flooding in Assam, Sarma clarified that the Assam government has no authority to regulate mining outside its territory. He asserted that there was no illegal mining in Assam and said the matter would be raised with the Central government. Stressing the need for a scientific study, he said the actual reasons behind the flooding must be established before drawing conclusions.

The Chief Minister further stated that embankments would be constructed in vulnerable locations wherever land is made available by local residents, emphasizing that public cooperation would be crucial for long-term flood management.

Responding to opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi's demand for higher compensation for flood victims, Sarma said the government would like to provide greater financial assistance but must also consider fiscal constraints. Taking a jibe at Gogoi, he questioned the opposition leader's role during the floods, referring to a video of him swimming in floodwaters and asking how many people he had actually rescued.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash