Assam Assembly Faces Criticism Over Flood Management Amidst Devastating Floods
Intense Scrutiny of Disaster Management in Assam
Aerial image of Upper Assam inundated under floodwaters hinting at the large scale devastation (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, July 28: During a recent session in the Legislative Assembly, Assam's disaster management strategies faced significant criticism from the Opposition, who raised concerns regarding the state's preparedness for floods, the efficiency of rescue operations, and the speed of relief efforts following the severe flooding in Upper Assam.
In response, the government defended its actions, asserting that the magnitude of the disaster was extraordinary and beyond the scope of any existing preparedness plans.
This topic was a focal point on the 13th day of the ongoing Budget Session, where legislators discussed the performance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the overall flood management approach of the state.
AIUDF MLA Mazibur Rahman from Dalgaon pointed out that the extent of the destruction revealed significant flaws in Assam's disaster management framework.
Rahman claimed there were "serious gaps" in the disaster management system and questioned the effectiveness of the Disaster Management Authority's routine preparedness meetings with district officials.
"If such a massive flood can still overwhelm our systems, we must reconsider the effectiveness of these exercises," he stated.
Adding to the criticism, All India Trinamool Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed expressed doubts about the efficiency of rescue and rehabilitation efforts, despite substantial investments in disaster response agencies.
"Nine days post-floods, the government is still struggling to assist and rehabilitate those affected. Crores of rupees are allocated annually for training SDRF and NDRF personnel. If we cannot reach people promptly during a disaster, we must evaluate the effectiveness of these agencies," he remarked.
Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika addressed the Opposition's concerns, acknowledging the severity of the flood situation while emphasizing that this year's disaster was unlike the usual annual floods experienced in the state.
"This year's flooding is unprecedented. While four districts in Upper Assam have been severely impacted, the majority of the state remains largely unaffected. Many critics represent areas that have not faced flooding this time," Hazarika explained.
He highlighted the government's significant investments in enhancing embankments and flood-control infrastructure over the years, pledging to continue these efforts.
"We have built embankments throughout Assam, with approximately 130 kilometers still to be completed. These measures have allowed us to manage nearly 80% of the natural floods in the state," the minister noted.
However, Hazarika emphasized that the crisis in Upper Assam was caused by extraordinary circumstances.
Describing the situation as "not a typical flood but an unprecedented natural disaster," he reported that over 50,000 homes in Nazira, nearly 40,000 in Sivasagar, between 20,000 and 25,000 in Demow, and around 30,000 in Mahmora had been affected.
"We do not deny the extent of the devastation. However, when nature strikes with such force, no level of disaster preparedness can entirely avert the damage," he stated.
Providing the latest updates, Hazarika informed the Assembly that 68 individuals had lost their lives in the floods, with eight still unaccounted for.
"Our teams are tirelessly working in the affected regions. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, and the government is dedicated to assisting every family impacted by the floods. We will persist until Assam recovers from this disaster," he concluded.