Assam's Flood Management Overhaul: Minister Highlights Progress
Significant Improvements in Flood Management
Silchar, March 4: Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika announced a substantial transformation in Assam's flood management system, emphasizing that the state has experienced a remarkable upgrade in embankment construction and flood-control measures over the last five years.
During a press briefing in Silchar, where he assessed the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit on March 14, Hazarika noted that the state government has significantly expanded and reinforced embankments throughout Assam.
He pointed out that when the current administration took charge, many vulnerable areas in the state had either inadequate embankments or none at all.
"In the past five years, we have successfully constructed nearly 1,000 kilometers of new embankments, marking a pivotal change in our flood management approach," he stated.
Comparing the current efforts to those of the previous Indian National Congress government, Hazarika asserted that while embankments were built in the past, the progress was slow and spanned decades.
"We have achieved in five years what used to take much longer. The key difference lies in our planning, technology, and execution," he added.
The minister highlighted the introduction of geo-tube and mega geo-tube technologies to enhance embankments before soil structures are applied.
"The embankments we have built are significantly stronger and scientifically designed to endure heavy pressure, making them less susceptible to breaches," he explained.
However, Hazarika recognized that many older embankments, some constructed decades ago, need urgent reinforcement. He assured that the government would prioritize upgrading these aging structures with advanced techniques over the next five years.
"Visible changes have occurred, but our commitment to enhancing Assam's flood management system remains steadfast. Strengthening older embankments and ensuring long-term environmental stability will be our primary focus," he concluded.
Accompanying the minister during his visit were Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, and Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty.