Assam Government Expands Recovery Efforts for Flood-Affected Livestock and Agriculture
Comprehensive Recovery Measures Announced
File image of livestock amidst floodwaters in Assam (Photo: @JagathKrishnaIN/X)
Guwahati, Aug 3: In line with its commitment made on August 1, the Assam government has intensified its recovery efforts to address the significant losses incurred by livestock and agriculture in the severely affected Upper Assam districts.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota shared the details of the recovery initiatives via a social media update, stating that financial aid would be allocated to qualifying households for livestock losses.
“Eligible households will receive compensation for the loss of livestock, which includes Rs 37,500 for each large milch animal like cows, Rs 4,000 for up to 30 small animals such as goats and pigs, and Rs 100 for each of the 100 poultry birds,” Kota explained.
He further mentioned that the government is promptly working to provide financial support for crop losses and other livelihood damages as per established guidelines.
“We are initiating damage assessments for crop losses and other livelihood impacts to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive financial aid as soon as possible,” he added.
This announcement coincides with ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, which have suffered extensively due to the recent floods caused by heavy rainfall and inflows from adjacent states.
According to the latest flood bulletin from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the floods have impacted 24,460 animals, including 13,835 large animals, 9,754 small animals, and 871 poultry birds.
Additionally, 15,422 hectares of agricultural land have been reported as affected by the floods.
Kota also indicated that the government is enhancing healthcare measures in the impacted regions.
“The Health and Family Welfare Department will set up large health camps with specialized medical personnel in every Legislative Assembly Constituency within the affected districts,” he stated.
This initiative comes in response to rising concerns regarding health risks following the floods, such as skin infections, diarrheal diseases, fevers, and other communicable illnesses reported in various flood-hit areas.
The Chief Secretary further noted that veterinary services would be expanded to mitigate disease outbreaks among livestock and assist farmers in distress.
“The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department will conduct animal health camps at designated sites throughout the affected districts,” he remarked.
In another significant relief effort, the government has allocated funds for the restoration and cleaning of public infrastructure damaged by the floods.
“An amount of Rs 5.64 crore has already been disbursed for clearing debris from roads, public spaces, homes, schools, and other impacted areas,” Kota mentioned.
Recognizing the disruption to drinking water supplies caused by the floods, the government has also announced support for restoring household water sources.
“Households in the flood-affected districts will receive Rs 10,000 for the installation of hand tube wells,” he added.
Reiterating the government's dedication to rehabilitation, Kota concluded his post by stating, “The Government of Assam is committed to providing all possible support, both financially and materially, and is fully devoted to ensuring timely assistance and facilitating the swift recovery of the affected communities.”