Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Assam’s flood situation remained grim with more than 1.28 lakh people across 380 villages continued to reel under floodwaters, while thousands remained displaced and extensive damage to crops and infrastructure was reported. The death toll was put at 87.
Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated on August 3 that the state Government may have to rebuild entire villages devastated by the recent floods in Upper Assam, saying the scale of destruction in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts has gone far beyond what can be addressed through immediate relief measures.
After touring the floodravaged Nepali Khuti area in Sivasagar district aboard a tractor to reach inaccessible locations, Sarma said several villages have suffered such extensive damage that comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction would be necessary.
“The devastation in Sivasagar and Charaideo is much more severe than what is visible on television. Flood relief alone will not be enough. In places like Bihubor, Nepali Khuti, Betbari and Nimaijan, we may have to rebuild entire villages,” he said.
He said the Government would formulate a longterm rehabilitation plan after carrying out a detailed assessment of the destruction caused by the floods.
During his visit, Sarma interacted with affected families, many of whom narrated the loss of homes, livestock, agricultural land and other sources of livelihood.
The Chief Minister noted that the extent of damage in several pockets has made it difficult for families to resume normal life even after floodwaters have started receding.
