We will adopt every possible measure to support flood-affected people: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, August 12
The Assam Government will spend approximately Rs 1,000 crore for the relief, assistance and rehabilitation of people affected by the unexpected and abnormal floods that have affected Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts of Upper Assam since July 19.
Announcing this at a press conference, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a survey will be conducted through a mobile application to assess the overall extent of the damage. So far, 960 surveyors have completed surveys of 8,325 families, and the second phase of the survey has already begun.
The Chief Minister announced that the survey process will be completed by September 15 and assured that it will be conducted in a completely transparent and fair manner. Flood-affected people will be able to view the detailed list of those included in the survey, and if anyone's name is left out, they will have the opportunity to be included even after the survey process is completed.
The Chief Minister also stated at the press conference that the state government is considering constructing housing colonies in areas where houses have been completely destroyed by the floods, using funds from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
He urged flood-affected people who are eligible for compensation through insurance to file their claims through the insurance mechanism. He also appealed to those seeking a six-month moratorium on bank loan repayments or an extension of their loan repayment period to submit their applications by August 30.
The Chief Minister assured that the state government will make efforts to restore schools in districts and areas where the flood situation has come under control and make them suitable for classes by August 15. With the objective of making every school functional for academic activities, the government has provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to 793 schools.
He further stated that, recognising the spiritually and religiously inclined nature of Assamese society, the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh to every Naamghar so that people can continue to organise Naam Prasanga during the holy month of Bhada.
The government will maintain a strict watch on every negative activity or comment that seeks to exploit the flood situation for financial gain or attempts to create divisions within Assamese society, which has traditionally remained united.
The Chief Minister stated that 72 YouTubers have collected funds for the assistance of flood-affected people. If the funds have actually been used to help flood victims, the government will honour them. He clarified that this is not an investigation but a process of recognising and honouring their efforts.
The Chief Minister also stated that, if necessary, the government will approach the Supreme Court regarding coal or stone-and-sand mining in Bihbar and Chontak. He further made it clear that if anyone has any objection regarding flood relief or any matter related to the floods, the government is prepared to order an investigation.
In a press statement issued from the BJP State Office, spokesperson Devajit Mahanta stated that approximately 12 lakh people across 25 districts have been affected by this year's floods, while 102 people have lost their lives.
Mahanta further stated that, at this critical time, the primary objective of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the BJP-led NDA government is to provide assistance and relief to those affected by the floods, and that all efforts will continue with this objective at the forefront.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The housing colony idea from CM Relief Fund is good, but let's be practical. Building permanent housing takes time. What about immediate shelter for those whose homes are completely destroyed? Also, the Rs 2 lakh per school for 793 schools - will that really cover the damage? Seems insufficient for schools that might need major repairs. Hope the government thinks long-term here.
As someone who has worked in disaster management in Australia, I appreciate the structured approach here. The mobile app survey, transparent list publication, and clear deadlines are all best practices. The provision for people to be added to the list even after the survey process is particularly thoughtful. Good to see Indian states adopting modern governance methods for disaster response.
The Naamghar assistance is a thoughtful touch - respecting our cultural institutions during crises is important. But I'm concerned about the Rs 1.50 lakh figure. Naamghars in flood-hit areas might need more for structural repairs. And the Rs 2 lakh per school might just cover furniture, not major structural damage. Let's hope the survey captures the true extent of the damage.
The 72 YouTubers angle is interesting. Recognizing genuine relief efforts is important, but I hope this validation process doesn't inadvertently discourage independent volunteers. During disasters, we need everyone - government, NGOs, and individuals - working together. The transparency about not calling it an 'investigation' is diplomatic, but the message is clear.
As someone from Jorhat, I can tell you the situation is bad. 102 lives lost and 12 lakh
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