Assam flood: Power bill waiver for Sivasagar, Charaideo; seven districts affected
Guwahati, Aug 2
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government will waive July electricity bills for domestic consumers using up to 300 units in the flood-ravaged districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo, as the state continued to battle the aftermath of the latest wave of floods that has so far claimed 82 lives.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the current flood situation has improved marginally, but seven districts -- Golaghat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Bajali, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Jorhat -- remain affected. A total of 1,78,837 people across 349 villages are still reeling under floodwaters, while 15,060 hectares of crop land have been damaged.
No fresh human casualty was reported during the last 24 hours, keeping the cumulative flood death toll this year at 82.
Announcing the relief measure through a post on Saturday on social media platform X, Sarma said the government would bear the cost of July electricity bills through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). "One less worry for families rebuilding after the Assam floods. Domestic consumers using up to 300 units in Sivasagar and Charaideo will not have to pay their July electricity bills, with the government bearing the cost through the CMRF," the Chief Minister said.
The announcement comes as thousands of families in Upper Assam continue to recover from widespread inundation caused by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and overflowing rivers.
Officials said relief and rehabilitation measures are continuing in the affected districts, with the administration closely monitoring embankments, damaged infrastructure and crop losses. Assessment of damage to roads, public infrastructure and agriculture is also underway to facilitate restoration work and compensation.
The state government has intensified relief distribution and restoration efforts in the worst-hit areas, while district administrations have been directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and drinking water for affected families.
Authorities said the flood situation would continue to be monitored closely, particularly in riverine areas vulnerable to fresh spells of rainfall in the coming days.
— IANS
Reader Comments
82 lives lost is heartbreaking. 😢 Electricity bill waiver is a small relief but the real need is proper flood management – better embankments, early warning systems, and long-term solutions. We can't keep depending on relief measures every monsoon.
At least someone is thinking about the common man's burden. When your home is underwater, worrying about bills is the last thing you need. Thank you CM sir for this compassionate step. Now please ensure drinking water and essential supplies reach the remote villages too.
Waiving power bills for 300 units is a decent start. However, the bigger picture shows 15,000 hectares of cropland destroyed – farmers are facing massive losses. The compensation for crop damage needs to be quick and generous, or many families will struggle for months after the waters recede.
It's good that the CM announced this relief, but why only two districts? The other five affected districts also need help. I'm from Jorhat and my extended family there is struggling with no power, no clean water. Please extend the relief measures to all affected areas, not just a few. 🤔
Every year same story – floods, displacement, damage. The government reacts with temporary relief but no permanent solutions. We need serious investment in flood control infrastructure in the Brahmaputra basin. Still, appreciate the bill waiver for the affected families. Small mercies matter during these tough times.
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