Guwahati, July 29: As the annual monsoon wreaks havoc in Assam, causing widespread floods and devastation, a high-level Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) from the Government of India recently conducted an on-spot assessment of the flood damages in various districts of the state.
The team, comprising seven members from different ministries, visited Assam from July 26 to July 28, providing a crucial opportunity to gauge the severity of the situation and evaluate the impact on the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.
Led by CG Rajini Kaanthan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the IMCT visited several flood-affected districts and sub-divisions of Assam, including Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Biswanath, Baksa, Barpeta, Chirang, Bajali, and Nalbari. The team undertook a comprehensive assessment of the damages caused by the floods and held discussions with local authorities and residents to understand the ground realities and challenges faced by the affected population.
During their visit, the IMCT witnessed the immense destruction caused by the floods, including damage to infrastructure, agricultural fields, and residential areas. The floods have disrupted the lives of countless individuals and families, leaving them vulnerable and in dire need of support. With an increasing number of people displaced and essential services disrupted, the situation demands prompt and effective action to provide relief and aid in the recovery process.
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In a crucial meeting held at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall, Janata Bhawan, Dispur, the IMCT held detailed discussions with senior officials of the Assam Government. During the meeting, the team shared their findings and observations from the field visits and engaged in productive deliberations about the extent of the damages and the loss of livelihoods and properties.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the immediate requirements of the affected regions, the Assam Government appealed to the Central Team for timely financial assistance. The state authorities urged the team to consider releasing the necessary funds for repair and restoration works once the final Flood Memorandum is submitted to the Government of India. The memorandum will outline the comprehensive assessment of the damages and the required financial resources to facilitate relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-hit areas.
The devastating floods in Assam are not a new phenomenon but have become an annual ordeal for the state and its residents. The recurring floods have brought to the forefront the need for a comprehensive and sustainable flood management strategy that incorporates measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of such calamities.
Climate change and environmental degradation have exacerbated the frequency and intensity of floods, making it crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and devise long-term solutions to address the challenges posed by these natural disasters.
Additionally, it is essential to focus on building resilience among the affected communities to enable them to withstand future floods effectively. This can be achieved through community-based disaster preparedness programs, early warning systems, and skill development initiatives to enhance livelihood opportunities.
Furthermore, investment in robust infrastructure and flood control measures is essential to protect vulnerable areas and minimize damages during flood events. Dredging of rivers, construction of embankments, and sustainable land-use planning are among the vital steps to be undertaken to mitigate the impact of floods.
While immediate relief and financial aid are imperative, a holistic approach that combines disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and community empowerment is the key to minimizing the human and economic cost of recurrent floods in Assam.
As the IMCT concludes its visit and returns to the central authorities, the urgency of the situation must not be overlooked. Timely and decisive action by the central and state governments is vital to provide much-needed relief and support to the flood-affected communities and to pave the way for a more resilient and flood-resilient Assam in the future.
