Guwahati, Aug 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the state government was preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for families affected by floods, with emphasis on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and making Assam better equipped to withstand recurring floods.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations here, Sarma said the government was moving beyond immediate relief measures and focusing on long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and strengthening of flood resilience.
He said a rapid digital assessment of flood damage would help authorities speed up the process of reconstruction and ensure that assistance reached affected families without unnecessary delays.
Sarma said the rehabilitation package would cover several essential aspects of household and livelihood recovery. Eligible flood-affected families would receive assistance for repairing damaged houses and restoring livestock, poultry, tube wells, looms and textiles that were destroyed or damaged in the floods.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government would provide a loan repayment moratorium to flood-affected families, aimed at reducing their immediate financial burden and giving them greater time to rebuild their livelihoods.
He stressed that the recovery process would not be confined to physical assets and livelihoods, saying education would receive equal attention. The government would extend support to affected schools and students to ensure that floods do not interrupt their education or adversely affect their prospects.
“During this difficult time, the government has not limited itself merely to providing relief. We have stood beside every flood-affected family and are working with urgency to help them return to normal life,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister said the state’s long-term flood management strategy would increasingly rely on modern technology, stronger infrastructure and improved early-warning systems.
He said reliable forecasting and timely warnings would be crucial in reducing the impact of floods and enabling communities and authorities to prepare in advance.
Sarma’s remarks came as Assam continues to grapple with the recurring challenge of floods, which cause extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods every year.
Earlier in the day, Sarma paid floral tributes to martyrs at Shraddhanjali Kanan in Guwahati on the occasion of Independence Day.
He said the day was an occasion to remember the sacrifices of countless patriots and reaffirm the commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Assam.
–IANS
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