CM holds review meeting to take stock of preparatory measures for addressing the flood situation
CM holds review meeting via video conference with Ministers, MPs, MLAs and DCs to take stock of preparatory measures for addressing the flood situation
Also reviews the implementation of the ‘Eti Koli Duti Paat’ scheme
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today held a review meeting via video conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan with the State’s Ministers, MPs, MLAs and DCs to take stock of the state’s readiness in responding to the impending flood season.
Addressing the DCs, Dr. Sarma recalled that Assam had witnessed three waves of floods from the first week of June last year. In anticipation of similar challenges this year, he informed that the state government has proactively initiated a series of preparatory measures, including the advance release of budgetary allocations to districts likely to be impacted. Highlighting the recent creation of co-districts, he stated that additional human resources have been deployed to strengthen the administrative machinery in affected areas. He directed DCs to ensure that immediate relief is extended to all flood-affected individuals in the event of embankment breaches. Further, he underscored the importance of timely communication from villagers regarding potential breaches, and instructed relevant departments to respond swiftly by deploying geo-bags and other necessary materials to fortify vulnerable embankments. In this regard, Dr. Sarma urged DCs to hold meetings with the Water Resources Department to coordinate the distribution of relief materials. He stressed the dual importance of not only delivering aid but also ensuring the structural integrity of embankments through vigilant upkeep and reinforcement.
The Chief Minister stated that every embankment breach would be subject to a thorough inquiry to ascertain the causes and prevent recurrence in the future. He emphasised the need for advance provisioning of clean drinking water, essential food supplies, cattle fodder and other relief essentials so that assistance may be rendered immediately to flood-impacted communities. During this critical period, he advised all DCs to maintain close coordination with the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department.
Dr. Sarma also deliberated on the implementation of a new welfare scheme – ‘Eti Koli Duti Paat’, launched as part of the bicentenary celebration of Assam’s tea industry. It may be noted that under this initiative, a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 would be extended to all permanent and temporary workers, as well as employees of registered tea estates across the state. Based on data provided by tea garden authorities, the scheme is set to benefit 3,82,660 permanent workers, 3,03,885 temporary workers, and 26,768 employees from 840 registered tea estates. The CM instructed all DCs to complete the implementation of this scheme within the designated timeframe, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without procedural delays.
Joining Chief Minister Dr. Sarma at the meeting were Minister of Irrigation etc. Ashok Singhal, MLA Sanjoy Kishan, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Principal Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management G.D. Tripathi, and Finance Department Commissioner & Secretary Jayant Narlikar, along with other senior officials from the relevant departments.
