Assam Chief Minister Addresses Flood Causes in Upper Assam

In a recent address, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that mining is not the primary cause of the devastating floods in Upper Assam. He attributed the disaster mainly to runoff from neighboring hills. During his tour of affected districts, Sarma emphasized the government's commitment to assessing damage and providing assistance to families impacted by the floods. He also discussed infrastructure challenges that hinder drainage and proposed solutions to improve water flow. As discussions continue regarding the flood's causes, the government is working to ensure that aid reaches those in need.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 15:52 IST

Flooding in Upper Assam: Chief Minister's Insights

An aerial view of flood devastation in Upper Assam. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Guwahati, Aug 4: In light of the ongoing discussions regarding the causes of the severe flooding that impacted Upper Assam last month, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Tuesday that mining activities are not the primary factor. He emphasized that the floods were mainly caused by runoff from the hills of adjacent states.

During his visit to the flood-affected areas on the third day of a four-day tour, Sarma noted that there is currently no evidence linking the recent floods to mining operations, despite ongoing inquiries into the disaster's causes.

"Flooding has been a recurring issue here for many years. At this point, I do not believe mining is a contributing factor. The floodwaters originated from the hills of neighboring states before reaching Assam's plains. We are working on strategies to improve floodwater drainage," the Chief Minister remarked after visiting a relief camp in Sivasagar district.

His comments come amid heightened scrutiny regarding the unprecedented flooding, with some concerns raised about the potential influence of mining along the Assam-Nagaland border, in addition to heavy rainfall and runoff from upstream regions.

Sarma mentioned that the government is evaluating the damage and is committed to ensuring that all necessary assistance from both state and central authorities reaches the affected individuals.

"The floods have caused significant devastation. We are assessing the situation to determine how we can best support the affected families and implement long-term solutions. We will ensure that any assistance from the State and Central governments reaches those in need," he stated.

Having spent three days in the flood-impacted districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo, the Chief Minister pointed out that prolonged waterlogging in Sivasagar town is primarily due to the elevated water levels of the Brahmaputra River, which hinder the natural drainage of floodwaters.

"The water cannot recede naturally because the Brahmaputra is at a higher level than the town. We are considering the use of high-capacity pumps to expedite the drainage process. Pumps from Oil India have already been deployed, and we will do everything possible to clear the water swiftly," he explained.

Sarma also highlighted infrastructure challenges, noting that sections of the National Highway are acting as embankments, obstructing the natural flow of water.

"Previously, districts like Sivasagar and Charaideo were not prone to flooding, so the highway was designed accordingly. We will request the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) to install additional cross-drainage structures to enhance water flow," he added.

In the meantime, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has urged the Chief Minister to allocate Rs 10 lakh as compensation for each flood-affected family.

According to Gogoi, the Chief Minister responded by stating that the government would provide an additional Rs 10,000 to affected families, in addition to the Rs 15,000 already distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The ongoing discussions regarding the flood causes coincide with the Mon district administration in Nagaland dismissing any significant impact from the over 60 landslides reported on July 19 on the Dikhow River, which flows into Assam's flood-affected Upper Assam.

Mon Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak informed that while more than 60 landslides were recorded across the district following heavy rainfall on July 19, including around 20 within Mon town, there was no substantial effect on the Dikhow River that could have contributed to the flooding in Assam.