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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, November 15, outlined how a proposed floodplain zoning system would regulate development according to flood risk, including restrictions in active river areas and construction safeguards elsewhere. His explanation also describes a 60-day public hearing and objection process.
The proposal concerns the Brahmaputra and Barak basins. In his November 15 statement, reproduced in reports by Pratidin Time and India Today NE, Sarma described scientific mapping as the basis for identifying flood-prone land and guiding safer development.
What the three zones would mean
Under the framework described by the Chief Minister, river channels and active flow areas would be prohibited zones where development would not be allowed. Regulated zones would permit construction subject to safeguards such as elevated plinths and flood-resilient building practices.
Land outside the identified flood lines would fall within unregulated zones, where normal development would be permitted. The description envisages satellite-based mapping and Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR, to help assess terrain and flood exposure.
Hearings, appeals and the legislative stage
Sarma’s explanation says lawful properties would receive safeguards and proposes a mandatory 60-day hearing and objection period, together with online and physical appeal mechanisms. It does not announce that a public objection window has already opened.
The development follows the November 5 announcement that a floodplain zoning bill was proposed for the Assembly’s winter session. Sunday’s account adds detail about the intended categories and consultation process.
The measures are described as provisions of a proposed bill. The announcement alone does not establish that restrictions are already in force or determine the classification of any individual property. Published zone maps and the final legislative framework would be needed to establish those details.