Guwahati, Jul 16 (UNI) Even as the flood situation in Assam worsened further, Union
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today visited some of the affected
areas and also held a high-level review meeting here.
Addressing a press conference at the end of the tour, Shekhawat said, "I would like
to assure that the Centre is always with Assam."
Making an aerial survey of Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur and visiting relief camps in
Majuli, Shekhawat expressed satisfaction at the rescue and relief operations, being
carried out by the state government in collaboration with various other agencies.
"The Prime Minister has sent me for an on-ground inspection of the situation and
accordingly, I made the visits. I also reviewed the situation with the state CM, his
ministers, state government officials, Central Water Commission and Brahmaputra
Board officials on all aspects. I am satisfied with the work being done," he said.
Pointing that Rs 251.5 crore has been released by the Centre yesterday to the
state for meeting immediate expenses, Shekhawat said necessary funds will be
made available after the extent of damage is assessed once the waters recede.
Shekhawat shall be submitting his report to the prime minister tomorrow.
Besides handling the immediate situation, the Union minister also discussed
long-term measures to tackle the flood and erosion problems of the state.
He said, "A hydrological survey could help in a long-term solution. Whether
dredging or some other option could be worked out for a long-term solution has
to be found out."
Shekhawat praised the initiative of constructing raised platforms for both
humans and animals by the state government, and said more such fruitful
initiatives are needed.
He also mentioned of a possible North East Water Management Authority, as
proposed by a high-level committee, for a comprehensive solution for Assam
flood and erosion.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who was also present, said the state
government had adequate funds at the moment to handle the situation.
So far, nearly 45 lakh people in 31 districts of the state have been affected
by the floods, while the death toll has touched 17.
UNI SG BM