Assam needs ‘national solution’ to floods: CM
Himanta Biswa Sarma says declaring the annual event a national problem would make no difference if it cannot be addressed scientifically
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for a "national solution" to the state's recurring flood problem, rather than merely declaring it a national issue. Assam experiences major floods up to five times annually, resulting in significant loss of life, livestock, crops, and assets worth over ₹1,000 crore each year. This year, the floods have claimed 98 lives, primarily in the eastern districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat.
For decades, Assam has been advocating for the central government to label its flood and erosion crisis as a "national problem." However, Sarma clarified that this declaration alone would not be sufficient. Instead, the state requires a national solution with scientific interventions and concrete schemes to protect itself from downstream water flow from Nagaland.
Sarma suggested seeking funds from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement these necessary interventions, based on insights from IITs, IIMs, Dibrugarh University, and Gauhati University. Assam's current reliance on embankments and geo-bags for flood management has been inadequate, as highlighted by Sarma during a visit to flood-affected areas in Mangaldoi, Darrang district.
With over 77,000 people still sheltering in relief camps across the affected districts, the Assam government has intensified rehabilitation and restoration efforts.
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