Assam Government Seeks Financial Aid for Flood Relief and Rehabilitation
Request for Central Assistance Amid Severe Flooding
On Thursday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, announced that the state government has requested financial support from the central government to assist those affected by the devastating floods. This request was presented to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), which recently completed a four-day assessment of the flood-hit districts in Upper Assam.
In a post on social media, Sarma described this year's flooding as unprecedented, causing significant destruction. He emphasized that the state's 'double-engine government' is committed to alleviating the hardships faced by the people. The Chief Minister has also urged the classification of the floods in Upper Assam as 'abnormal' and called for flexible regulations to facilitate damage assessment and assistance.
Sarma highlighted the demand for a special central assistance package for the districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, which would encompass relief efforts, housing, infrastructure restoration, and livelihood recovery.
Additionally, he mentioned that Assam has requested the establishment of a mechanism for disaster risk reduction in the Northeast, aimed at enhancing regional coordination in all phases of disaster management across Assam and its seven neighboring states. However, he did not disclose the specific amount of financial aid requested from the central government.
Despite the receding floodwaters in many areas of Assam, the situation remains critical as of Thursday. The death toll from the floods has risen to 78, with over three lakh individuals still grappling with the aftermath of this disaster. Sarma noted that, as per the assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the IMCT visited the state to assess the ground situation and review relief and rehabilitation efforts.
During this review, the central team was informed about the extensive damage to critical infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. To better manage the situation, Assam has requested leniency in paperwork and eligibility criteria under central and centrally sponsored schemes, ensuring that affected families receive assistance without unnecessary hurdles.
Sarma expressed confidence that the central team would consider the ground realities and the state's interests when reporting back to the central government. On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Shah reached out to the Chief Minister to discuss the flood situation, marking his second call to Sarma in a week, and assured him of all possible support from the central government.