Assam's Flood Recovery Plan: Chief Minister Outlines Key Initiatives
Phased Roadmap for Rehabilitation in Assam
Flood-affected villagers transporting remaining food grains on a makeshift raft in Assam amidst waist-deep waters (Photo: Abhiraj Ganguli/Linkedin)
Guwahati, July 31: As the state transitions from rescue operations to rehabilitation efforts, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a comprehensive plan for flood recovery in Upper Assam on Friday. This plan includes various measures such as facilitating insurance claims, providing financial aid, and restoring schools and infrastructure.
During a press briefing following a Cabinet meeting, Sarma announced that a meeting with insurance companies is scheduled for August 5 to expedite the settlement of claims for vehicles, livestock, and other insured properties damaged by the floods.
He stated, "Many vehicles have suffered damage due to the floods, causing significant distress for residents. On August 5, we will engage with insurance firms to ensure that policyholders receive prompt attention regarding their claims, including those related to vehicles and livestock."
In reference to the six-month moratorium declared on July 30 for loan repayments by flood-affected individuals, Sarma mentioned that discussions with Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) will also take place on August 5 to extend similar relief to borrowers.
"We will also meet with NBFCs on August 5 to ensure that individuals who have taken loans from them receive necessary support," he added.
Regarding the announced financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for affected families, Sarma indicated that the assessment process would be finalized within one to two days.
"Teachers are currently conducting assessments, and we expect to start disbursing the assistance by August 2 or 3," he noted.
The Chief Minister further revealed that Rs 8 crore would be allocated from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan on August 1 for the distribution and replacement of school uniforms.
"These funds will be transferred to School Management Committees via Samagra Shiksha. The distribution of textbooks has already commenced, and we are assessing affected students to provide financial assistance of Rs 1,000, Rs 3,000, and Rs 5,000 as needed," he explained.
Sarma also announced that assessments of permanent damage to homes and properties would commence on August 7.
“Starting August 7, district administrations, in collaboration with the Revenue Department, will initiate a permanent damage assessment. This operation will be conducted in a mission mode and is expected to be completed within 10 to 15 days. Before compensation disbursement begins, I will visit Sivasagar and Charaideo. Compensation for damaged homes, livestock, and other eligible losses will be provided according to government guidelines by the end of August,” he stated.
He mentioned that approximately 550 schools in Sivasagar and several in Charaideo have been impacted by the floods.
"To repair the damaged schools and clear mud from their premises, we will allocate Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh to each school. The assessment is ongoing, and we aim to release funds by August 5 or 6. Our goal is to reopen schools in Sivasagar and Charaideo by August 9. If that is not feasible, we will target August 15. There are no strict deadlines," he added.
Highlighting the ongoing relief efforts, Sarma reported that the Government has distributed around 23,730 quintals of rice, 4,541 quintals of pulses, and 1,18,110 liters of mustard oil to families affected by the floods.
He further stated that once the rehabilitation of affected families is complete, the Government will shift its focus to repairing damaged infrastructure and embankments.
"Starting in September, we will initiate infrastructure restoration. We will approve two separate packages for Sivasagar and Charaideo to address the damage to roads, embankments, and other public infrastructure," he mentioned.
In response to inquiries regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential visit to the flood-affected regions, Sarma affirmed that both the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are providing all possible support to the state.
“We maintain constant communication with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. The question arises whether the Prime Minister's visit at this time would assist the ongoing relief efforts. Preparations for his visit would require the district administration to divert its focus at least three days in advance. Therefore, would this aid the relief operations or complicate them? We are executing our tasks systematically, and he will determine the appropriate time for his visit,” the Chief Minister concluded.