"This effort is entirely from the party": Assam CM flags off 1.8 lakh T-shirts, 1.5 lakh mosquito nets for flood victims
Guwahati, July 29
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday flagged off relief materials for flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat, saying the initiative was entirely from the Bharatiya Janata Party and its workers.
Addressing a gathering, the Assam Chief Minister said BJP members and the families of party karyakartas contributed nearly 1.8 lakh T-shirts and 1.5 lakh mosquito nets for families affected by the floods.
"BJP and the families of our karyakartas contributed almost 1,80,000 T-shirts and 1,50,000 mosquito nets for the flood-affected families of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Jorhat districts. This effort is entirely from the party, and the amount has been collected from the grassroots level. This small help will be accepted by the people in these four districts, and we will continue our effort as a party to help the flood victims in the days to come. Also, this effort will be ongoing, and we will continue to make such efforts to help the flood-affected families of Assam. Overall, the flood situation has improved because there was no rain after the 21st, but the extent of damage is huge," he said.
The Nepalikuti area under Assam's Sivasagar district's Nazira Assembly constituency is reeling from the aftermath of a devastating flood, with homes, farmland, livestock and essential belongings washed away, leaving hundreds of families struggling to rebuild their lives.
According to residents, the floodwaters from the Dikhow river entered the area around 11 am on July 19 and caused widespread destruction within a short span of time. Several houses, agricultural fields, cattle sheds, food grains, farming equipment, household items and livestock were swept away in the strong current.
Agriculture and dairy farming were the main sources of livelihood for most families in the area. However, the loss of a large number of cows, buffaloes and other livestock has left many families without a source of income. Dead animals are still lying in some cattle sheds, raising concerns over foul smell and the possible spread of diseases.
Residents said that as the floodwaters rose rapidly, several people were forced to take shelter on the tin roofs of their houses. However, many houses later collapsed due to the strong current. Locals claimed that around nine to ten people have either died or gone missing in the disaster, while several families are still waiting for information about their loved ones.
Krishna Sharma, a resident, told ANI, "The flood caused massive destruction in the area. Many houses were washed away, livestock were lost, and several families have been left without food, shelter and livelihood. The government should provide immediate relief and compensation to the affected families."
Even after the floodwaters receded, the situation in Nepalikuti remains grim. Several feet of sand and silt have accumulated across the village, burying houses and belongings. In many places, only walls, bamboo poles and parts of tin sheets remain visible, highlighting the scale of the destruction.
Another resident told ANI, "The water has receded, but our problems have not ended. Our houses and belongings are buried under several feet of sand and mud. We have no proper drinking water, food or shelter. We are requesting the administration to provide immediate relief and help us rebuild our lives."
The devastation in Nepalikuti reflects the broader impact of the floods across Assam. While water levels have receded, residents continue to grapple with the loss of livelihoods, damaged homes and the grief of missing or deceased family members as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Assam, I appreciate any help during these devastating floods. But why is it only party workers contributing? Shouldn't the state machinery and central funds be used first? This "entirely from party" claim feels like political branding during a disaster. Victims in Nepalikuti need clean drinking water, not just T-shirts. The loss of cows and buffaloes means many families have lost their income for months. Focus on that, please.
Honestly, 1.8 lakh T-shirts and 1.5 lakh mosquito nets is a big number, even if from party workers. It shows the BJP cadre is active in Assam. But I worry about the logistics—will these reach the remote villages in Charaideo or Jorhat? The article mentions dead animals still lying around, which could cause disease. Mosquito nets are good, but what about medical camps and vaccination drives? Hope the CM coordinates with health departments too.
I'm from the US and read this story. It's impressive that a political party can mobilize such grassroots contributions for flood relief in Assam. But as a neutral observer, I'd ask: where is the state government's own disaster response? The residents mentioned they're still waiting for compensation and basic necessities. These T-shirts and nets are helpful, but they won't rebuild homes or restore livelihoods. India needs a more systematic approach to floods that doesn't rely on party donations.
It's good that BJP party workers are contributing, but I can't help but feel this is a PR move ahead of elections. The real story is the destruction in Nepalikuti—houses buried under sand, people on tin roofs. Why is the CM only flagging off T-shirts and nets instead of visiting the affected areas and announcing immediate compensation? The residents need food, shelter, and money, not political symbolism. 🙏
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