Assam has launched an unprecedented initiative to tackle the persistent issue of floods that have long plagued the state.
Minister Pijush Hazarika announced a robust investment plan aimed at addressing this longstanding challenge.
"For the first time in Assam’s history, we are making massive investments to mitigate floods," Hazarika declared.
The comprehensive plan includes substantial financial support from both the central and Assam governments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will facilitate Rs 5000 crore over the next five years through various multilateral institutions, Hazarika disclosed.
This funding is earmarked for extensive infrastructure projects and technological solutions aimed at preventing and managing flood disasters more effectively.
Additionally, the Assam government will allocate an additional Rs 1000 crore annually for various flood prevention activities.
The initiatives will encompass a broad spectrum of measures, ranging from constructing embankments and enhancing drainage systems to deploying advanced weather forecasting technologies and bolstering community resilience programs.
"This translates to an annual investment exceeding Rs 2000 crore," Hazarika emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has forecast light to moderate rainfall in Assam and its neighboring areas, with moderate rain expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, and at several locations in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
A report from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) revealed that five more lives have been lost, bringing the total death toll from this year’s floods, landslides, storms, and lightning to 100. Currently, over 1.4 million people are affected across 25 districts.
The worst-hit districts include Dhubri with over 237,000 affected, followed by Cachar with 182,000 and Golaghat with 112,000.
Despite the receding waters in many areas, a senior ASDMA official stated that further improvement is contingent on a halt in rainfall.
The state administration is operating 365 relief camps and distribution centers across 20 districts, providing shelter to 157,447 displaced individuals.
In the past 24 hours, authorities have distributed substantial quantities of essential supplies to flood victims, including 2,825.36 quintals of rice, 517.22 quintals of dal, 151.97 quintals of salt, and 14,015.39 liters of mustard oil.
Follow us
