Assam Chief Minister Advocates for National Solutions to Flood Crisis

Call for Innovative Flood Management Strategies

Guwahati, Aug 8: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized the need for a scientific and practical approach to address Assam's persistent flood issues. He believes that the state requires a comprehensive “national solution” rather than simply designating its floods as a national concern.

Sarma indicated that the state government is collaborating with leading academic institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Gauhati University, and Dibrugarh University, to formulate detailed flood-mitigation strategies that can be presented to the central government for approval and funding.

“It’s not enough to label floods as a national issue. We need actionable plans. IITs and IIMs should guide us on necessary interventions to mitigate flooding. Once we have a solid proposal, we will approach the Prime Minister for approval. Our goal is to establish it as a national solution, not just a national issue,” Sarma stated.

The Chief Minister pointed out that previous discussions on flood management have largely revolved around traditional methods like embankments and geo-bags. He stressed that Assam now requires innovative, scientifically-backed, and sustainable solutions.

He assured that the state government is ready to initiate large-scale projects once feasible proposals are developed and receive the central government’s backing.

Sarma’s comments come in the wake of renewed calls for prioritizing Assam’s flood crisis at the national level, especially following the catastrophic floods that began on July 19, which caused extensive damage, particularly in Upper Assam.

There has been a surge in demands for increased central intervention after the July floods, with various student organizations, civic groups, and religious institutions urging the central government to recognize Assam’s ongoing flood challenges as a national priority.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has contended that the central government cannot regard Assam’s natural resources as national assets while neglecting the state’s recurring flood issues.

Auniati Satra Satradhikar Dr. Pitambar Dev Goswami has also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the flood-affected regions to witness the devastation firsthand.

This latest stance reflects Sarma’s ongoing commitment to pursuing a long-term national solution rather than merely focusing on the terminology associated with Assam’s floods.

He previously argued during the 2024 floods that a permanent, nationally supported solution would be more beneficial than simply labeling the floods as a “national problem.”

Currently, while floodwaters are receding in several districts, the human toll continues to rise. Official reports indicate that the death toll from this year’s floods has reached 98, with one additional fatality reported in Charaideo district on Friday.

Over 1.55 lakh individuals remain affected across 13 districts, even as floodwaters have begun to recede in various areas.