SILCHAR: The Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced here in Silchar on Tuesday that the state government would supply free textbooks to children from families who have sought refuge in relief camps due to flooding. Sarma, accompanied by Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, visited six significant relief camps and stated, “As we did last year, we will assist every family impacted by the floods in Assam in a timely manner.” During a meeting at the District Commissioner’s office conference hall, the Chief Minister provided an ex-gratia payment to the family of a deceased victim. Additionally, prominent traders and organizations in Silchar contributed Rs 1 crore, 14 lakh, and 25 thousand to Sarma for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In a press conference, Sarma mentioned that the government was addressing the initial challenges.
While touring six major relief camps set up across Silchar, including Government Boys’ HS School, Normal School, Kendriya Vidyalaya Silchar, Hiron Prova Sishu Mandir, Cosmic Market Malini Beel, and Ukil Bazar LP School, the Chief Minister engaged directly with the affected residents, listening to their issues and concerns. He instructed the Cachar district administration, led by District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, to guarantee a continuous supply of essential goods and services, particularly focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations such as the elderly, nursing mothers, and children. He also mandated that medical services remain available 24/7 and that safe drinking water be accessible to all camp residents. Sarma expressed, “I commend the resilience of the people in Cachar and beyond during these floods. Rest assured, wherever they may be, we are committed to their relief and rescue.” He also addressed the drainage issues in Silchar city, stating that his government was concurrently working towards a viable solution similar to the Bharalu pumping station in Guwahati.
During a conversation with the media, the Chief Minister articulated that the increasing water levels had hindered the opening of essential sluice gates, such as the one located at Betukandi, leading to significant waterlogging throughout the town. In response to this predicament, the administration has deployed 10 water pumps, with the possibility of installing additional units if necessary. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a permanent pumping station in Silchar to effectively manage similar urban flooding situations in the future.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that this initiative should be supported by efficient drainage systems and the restoration of traditional wetlands, including Malini Beel, Maheesha Beel, Rangirkhaal, and Singerkhal, which function as natural water retention and drainage mechanisms. Sarma also assessed the progress of the Berenga embankment project and assured that further funding would be allocated to accelerate its completion. He mentioned that Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika is scheduled to visit the site on June 10 to evaluate its current status. Concerning the Katigora Gammon Setu, the Chief Minister confirmed that the bridge is on schedule for completion by July 28. In the Tarapur Shibbari region, where road construction was initially obstructed by unstable soil conditions, Sarma declared that deeper drilling would be conducted to identify solid ground and ensure a stable foundation for the roadwork.
