Chief Minister Assures Swift Repairs for Flood-Damaged Embankments in Jorhat

In Jorhat, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured residents that all five breached sections of the Bhogdoi embankment will be repaired within a month. Following heavy rainfall that caused significant flooding, the CM inspected the damage and promised a long-term plan to strengthen flood defenses. Local residents have raised concerns about the absence of their MLA during the crisis, while allegations suggest that the embankment has not been adequately maintained for decades. As authorities work to restore infrastructure, the impact of the floods has affected 177 villages, causing extensive damage to homes and agriculture.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 15:39 IST

Flood Recovery Efforts in Jorhat

CM Sarma visited flood affected families in Jorhat on Wednesday. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Jorhat, July 23: Several areas in Jorhat continue to suffer from flooding due to multiple breaches in the Bhogdoi embankment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has committed to repairing all five affected sections within a month and has outlined a long-term strategy to enhance the flood defense system.

This commitment followed the Chief Minister's inspection of the damaged embankment at Salmora, where heavy rains in the Naga Hills led to the swelling of the Bhogdoi River, resulting in significant flooding across the district.

"Five sections of the embankment have been compromised. I assessed the situation today, and we will address all five breaches within a month. The repair work will be executed in phases over the upcoming weeks, and we will also devise a long-term strategy to fortify the embankment," Sarma stated.

When asked about the potential eviction of residents living along the Bhogdoi River, Sarma emphasized that any decisions would be made after consulting local inhabitants, many of whom have resided there for generations.

The Chief Minister noted that while dredging the Bhogdoi River is technically possible, past dredging efforts have not produced satisfactory outcomes.

"After discussions with the local MLA, the Water Resources Department will take charge of the dredging. The government possesses the necessary equipment and capability for this task. However, the effectiveness of the dredging remains uncertain," he added.

Despite the government's announcement of restoration initiatives, local residents criticized Jorhat MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami for his absence during the flood crisis.

Residents claimed that the BJP legislator neither visited the affected regions nor made any public statements while families were grappling with the disaster. Reports indicate that Goswami was on a trip to the United States.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the embankment, which has reportedly not received significant repairs in over fifty years.

This delay has been attributed to a lack of coordination between the Water Resources Department and the Public Works Department.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that heavy rainfall in Nagaland caused the Bhogdoi River to rise rapidly, leading to breaches at five locations and flooding over 39 revenue villages for four consecutive days.

Official reports indicate that the floods have impacted 177 villages, causing severe damage to homes, livestock, and agricultural land, as authorities work swiftly to restore damaged infrastructure and mitigate further erosion.