Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma visits flood-hit Silchar, Emphasises wetland conservation as key to urban flood mitigation

B O Correspondent : In a significant move to assess and address the ongoing flood crisis in Silchar, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the flood-affected areas of Cachar district and conducted an extensive review of the situation on the ground here on Tuesday. Emphasising a proactive and long-term approach to mitigate urban flooding, Dr Sarma underlined the urgent need for conservation of natural wetlands in and around Silchar as a sustainable solution.

Touring six major relief camps established across Silchar,namely at 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 personally interacted with the affected residents, listening to their concerns and grievances. He directed the Cachar district administration, led by District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS ,to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and services, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, lactating mothers, and children. He also instructed that medical facilities remain operational around the clock and that safe drinking water be made readily available to all camp inmates.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of flood victims, Dr Sarma assured that all necessary support for rehabilitation and return to normalcy would be provided promptly. He expressed satisfaction that, despite the Barak River flowing above the danger level, there have been no breaches in the embankments so far, thanks to vigilant monitoring by the district authorities.

Later ,while briefing the media at the new conference hall of DC’S office , Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma explained that rising water levels have prevented the opening of key sluice gates like the one at Betukandi, resulting in widespread waterlogging across the town. To counter the situation, the administration has deployed 10 water pumps, with more to be installed if needed. The Chief Minister highlighted the necessity of constructing a permanent pumping station in Silchar to deal with such urban flood scenarios in future. However, he stressed that this must be complemented by effective drainage infrastructure and the revival of traditional wetlands such as Malini Beel, Maheesha Beel, Rangirkhaal, and Singerkhal, which serve as natural water retention and drainage systems.

Dr Sarma also reviewed progress on the Berenga embankment project and assured that additional funds would be sanctioned to expedite its completion. He informed that Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika will visit the site on June 10 to oversee its status. Regarding the Katigora Gammon Setu, the Chief Minister confirmed that the bridge is on track for completion by July 28. In the Tarapur Shibbari area, where roadwork was initially hampered by unstable soil, Dr Sarma announced that deeper drilling would be undertaken to locate firm ground and facilitate a stable foundation for road construction.

In a solemn moment, the Chief Minister handed over an ex-gratia payment as cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the family of one deceased victim during a meeting held at the conference hall of the District Commissioner’s office.
It is worth mentioning that several business establishments and philanthropic individuals came forward with commendable generosity to support the flood-affected communities. Notable among them were Shri Rudra Narayan Gupta, owner of Green Heals Hospital; Shri Mridul Majumder, proprietor of South City Hospital; Shri Muchand Baid; Shri Niharendu Bhattacharjee; Shri Rupam Nandi Purkayastha; M/s Paul Co. Engineering; Silchar Food Grain Merchant Association; and Gold Stone Cement Ltd .Their collective contribution of ₹1,19,67000 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund stands as a testament to their social responsibility and compassion. The sanction letters acknowledging these contributions were formally received by the Hon’ble Chief Minister at the DC’s conference hall on the occasion.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma was accompanied by Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Kaushik Rai, Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya, and several MLAs during his visit, reflecting the government’s concerted and multi-pronged approach to tackling the flood crisis in the Barak Valley.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.

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