Guwahati, 8th July: Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has delivered a comprehensive report to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi detailing the dire situation caused by ongoing floods in the state. The report, submitted on July 7, highlights staggering figures of devastation and urges immediate parliamentary action to address Assam’s recurring flood woes.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Death Toll: 58 lives lost due to floods.
- Displacement: 53,429 people seeking refuge in shelter camps.
- Affected Population: 23.9 lakh people impacted across 3,535 villages.
- Crop Damage: 68,769 hectares submerged, affecting agricultural output.
- Wildlife Casualties: 114 animals, including 6 rhinos, lost in Kaziranga National Park.
Specific Areas of Concern:
- Dhubri: Worst-hit with over 7.95 lakh affected.
- North Bank and Upper Assam: Each witnessing over 1.50 lakh struggling.
- Barak River: Flowing above danger levels at key points like Annapurna Ghat and Badarpur Ghat.
Critique of Government Response:
The report criticizes the BJP-led government’s neglect of flood management and infrastructure maintenance over the past five years. It highlights the deterioration of 53 embankments crucial for flood control, despite a request for Rs 10,785 crore from the central government.
Proposed Solutions:
- Long-term Strategy: Calls for the establishment of a pan-Northeast water management authority empowered by Parliament.
- Short-term Measures: Urges immediate strengthening of flood management infrastructure and swift relief efforts.
Congress’s Active Role:
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leaders, along with MPs and MLAs, are actively engaged in providing support and assistance to flood-affected communities across the state.
Appeal to Rahul Gandhi:
The report concludes with a plea to Rahul Gandhi to champion the cause of Assam in Parliament, advocating for enhanced relief measures and compensation to alleviate the extensive losses caused by the floods.
As Assam battles one of its worst flood crises, Congress’s call for urgent action underscores the severity of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to mitigate future impacts.
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