Dhemaji (Assam), 25 June (HS): Assam Education Minister and local MLA Ranoj Pegu visited flood-affected areas under the Joyrampur Gaon Panchayat in Dhemaji Revenue Circle and reviewed the prevailing flood and erosion situation. During the visit, he interacted with affected residents and assured necessary measures for erosion control, road connectivity, and embankment construction.

The minister first inspected a flood relief camp set up at Lalukijan Dharmapur Boro Primary School, where families displaced from the Anjali Chapori area have taken shelter. He l,directed officials to ensure the supply of safe drinking water, food items, disinfectants, roofing materials, medicines, and other essential relief materials for camp inmates.

Pegu also visited erosion-hit stretches in the Dharmapur area, where a channel of the Jiadhal River has reportedly advanced towards inhabited regions, causing severe riverbank erosion. After assessing the situation on the ground, he assured local residents that erosion prevention works, along with the construction of embankments and roads, would be undertaken during the current financial year following a detailed study of the river's course.

Later, the minister inspected erosion-affected areas in Kalbari and instructed the District Commissioner to initiate the construction of embankments and culverts under the VBG-RAM-G scheme. He further directed engineers of the Water Resources Departments of Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur districts to hold a joint meeting and prepare an integrated plan to tackle recurring flood problems in both districts.

The minister also reviewed the flood and erosion situation in Ratowa, No. 1 Napam, Bordoi Tea Garden and several other vulnerable locations under the Lotak Gaon Panchayat. District Commissioner Rahul Suresh Javir, officials from the Water Resources Department, revenue officers, district administration personnel, and local residents accompanied him during the inspection.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash