GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday announced release of Rs. 100 crores for repairing of embankments in the flood-hit Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Biswanath and Majuli districts and asked the Water Resources Department to carry out the work in a war footing.
Sonowal visited worst affected Lakhimpur district on Tuesday to assess the flood-induced damages in the district and review the rehabilitation and reconstruction process. He visited Bogolijan area of the district where Ranganodi River eroded and washed away large portion of the embankment. He interacted with the local people and assured them of all rehabilitation and reconstruction works including repairing of embankments which would be completed on a war footing. He also informed the flood affected people that he has been in constant touch with the NEEPCO authorities and categorically cautioned the company to stay away from discharging of water, responsible for worsening flood condition in the lower riparian districts in the state.
Sonowal later held a review meeting at Lilabari Airport where he took stock of the reconstruction works being undertaken in the flood-ravaged Lakhimpur and Dehmaji district. He also asked Deputy Commissioners to deploy village headmen and agriculture extension officers for a survey to ensure no flood victim is denied of flood relief. He also reiterated that the state government has no dearth of money as he asked deputy commissioners of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji to submit their survey report at the earliest so that state government can expedite the reconstruction process.
In view of deaths due to electrocution reported from many parts of the state, Sonowal asked Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji to take all safety measures to prevent all electrocuted deaths in the districts. He also asked APDCL functionaries to undertake awareness campaigns to generate public awareness.