GUWAHATI: An Inter-Ministerial Central Team visited the worst-affected districts of Upper Assam to conduct an on-ground assessment of the flood damage and review ongoing relief, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.
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During the visit, the team was apprised of the extensive damage to critical infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods caused by the floods, as stated by Assam CM Sarma in a post on X on Thursday, July 30.
The Assam government has placed a series of demands before the team, seeking additional support and flexibility from the Centre to address the impact of the floods effectively.
Special Central Package for Four Flood-Hit Districts
Among the key requests is the recognition of the Upper Assam floods as an atypical, high-intensity and rapid-onset event, along with flexible norms for damage assessment and assistance.
The state has also sought a dedicated Central support package for Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat, covering relief, housing, infrastructure and livelihood restoration.
Relaxation in Relief Scheme Norms
The government has requested relaxation of documentation and eligibility norms under Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes to ensure affected households can access assistance without difficulties.
District-Wise Reconstruction Plan
It has also called for a district-wise reconstruction plan covering roads, bridges, schools, healthcare, drinking water and power infrastructure damaged by the floods.
Embankment Strengthening Sought Before Next Monsoon
Another key demand is a rapid multi-agency assessment and strengthening of breached embankments along hill-fed rivers before the next monsoon to prevent further damage.
Northeast Disaster Risk Reduction Mechanism
Assam has also sought the establishment of a North-East disaster risk reduction mechanism to strengthen regional coordination across all phases of disaster management involving Assam and its seven neighbouring states.
The state has further proposed convergence of disaster assistance with national programmes covering housing, water, agriculture, health and social protection, along with targeted support for women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The visit comes amid the continuing flood situation in Upper Assam, with authorities assessing the extent of damage and planning restoration measures across the affected districts.