Guwahati, 14 May (HS): As the rainy season approaches, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday held a review meeting with the engineers, officials and contractors of the department at Jal Bhawan in Basistha, the capital. The progress of ongoing flood and erosion control measures under the Flood and River Erosion Management Agency (FREMAA) of Assam was reviewed in the meeting.

Minister Hazarika reviewed the availability and storage status of flood mitigation materials such as geo bags, porcupines and other necessary resources in the meeting. He directed the officials to ensure the supply of adequate material in time to all the identified sensitive and high-risk areas.

He stressed the need for prompt action at 216 sensitive sites identified through field survey and directed the officials and contractors to complete the work within the stipulated time frame. The minister made it clear that any kind of negligence or delay in the works will not be tolerated and responsibility will be fixed in case of non-compliance.

The minister also said that the state government is committed to protect the lives and property of the people from floods and erosion that occur every year. He said that he would personally visit the sites and monitor the progress of the works and asked all the concerned parties to work in coordination and be prepared with full readiness.

Hazarika reiterated that the department has to make continuous efforts to reduce the impact of floods and river erosion by giving priority to proactive planning and public safety.

Special Chief Secretary of Water Resources Department S Abbasi, Chief Executive Officer of FREMAA Dr. Jeevan B, Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department, senior officials and contractors were present in today's meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash