Himanta visits Hailakandi, Sribhumi relief camps, vows timely infra repair
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Silchar: Assam chief minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma
on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.
This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure are restored."
Sarma said district commissioners have been directed to carry out thorough damage assessments.
"Once the water recedes, financial assistance will be provided as per norms. We did so last year and will do the same this year," he added.
During his visit, the CM toured relief camps in Kalinagar and Panchgram in Hailakandi and later in Sribhumi, interacting with displaced residents. While camp conditions were reported to be satisfactory, affected families voiced concerns over the loss of household items like utensils and clothing.
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Sarma urged all affected individuals to submit their bank details to facilitate direct transfer of relief funds.
Highlighting the broader issue, Sarma acknowledged that unplanned urban development, particularly without adequate drainage systems, has contributed to recurring artificial flooding in key Assam cities. "This is especially severe in Guwahati, but Dibrugarh and Silchar are also facing similar issues.
We need sustainable drainage solutions that can cope with rapid urban growth," he said.
So far, 21 people have died in floods and landslides across Assam this year, with over 5.6 lakh affected across 16 districts. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway as authorities monitor the evolving situation.
In a political swipe, Sarma also targeted Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, claiming three out of four members of Gogoi's family are foreign nationals — a remark seen as escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress.
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