GUWAHATI: Amid growing questions over the causes of the devastating floods that hit Upper Assam this year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, August 4 said the reasons behind the disaster should be determined through a scientific study rather than speculation.
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Addressing the media in Sivasagar, Sarma said his academic background was not in geology or geography and that any conclusions on the causes of the floods should be based on scientific evidence and expert analysis.
“My background isn't geology or geography. How can I give a definitive answer? My background is in political science,” he said.
The Chief Minister said institutions with expertise in climate and earth sciences should analyse the issue in detail.
“We need expert scientists. Rain doesn't occur like this every year; why did it happen this time when it didn't happen before? We need to analyse satellite data and have institutions like IIT Guwahati or IIT Roorkee examine it carefully before giving an opinion,” Sarma said.
His remarks came amid public concerns and allegations from some quarters that mining activities in neighbouring Nagaland may have contributed to the severity of flooding and siltation in parts of Upper Assam.
Responding to the concerns, Sarma said the Assam government had no jurisdiction to stop mining operations in Nagaland.
“We cannot stop mining in Nagaland. The Assam government cannot stop it there; we can only shut down the crushers here. Coal doesn't originate in Assam either. Nagaland has its own government. What policy the Nagaland government adopts will have to be addressed through the Government of India,” he said.
The Chief Minister also maintained that no illegal mining was taking place within Assam's territory.
He said many people in the region depended on mining activities for their livelihood and urged the public to suggest practical solutions.
“All the people here have become dependent on mining. So I told the public, ‘You all give a decision,’” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister's remarks indicate that the state government is seeking a scientific assessment of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding before attributing responsibility to any specific factor, even as concerns over environmental degradation and cross-border mining continue to fuel public debate.