Flood Devastates the Bell Metal Industry of Assam

Barpeta, July 17, 2019:

The flood situation in Assam has turned dire as flood waters have submerged 30 of the 33 districts in Assam. Moreover, the death toll has now increased to 28. The Central Government has even released a donation of 251 cr for the flood relief measures in the State. Superstar Akshay Kumar has also donated Rs 2 crores to Assam. However, the plight of the bell metal industry, which is one of the oldest handcraft industries in the State located in Lower Assam, has largely gone unnoticed.

The Kaldia and Burhadia rives have caused devastation and destroyed the bell metal industry in Assam's Sarthebari (in Barpeta district) and nearby villages, along with the renowned Krishnaguru Sewashram Nasatra.

Approximately 80% of Sarthebari has been submerged in the floods for the last 4 days. Locals have told Inside Northeast that the 'ashram' has been immersed for the first time 2004. Kalatoli, Karakuchi, Botiya, Gomura, Boniyakuchi, and Amrikhua villages have also been greatly affected due to the floods. The renowned Gomura sattra, a place of great cultural significance, was also affected.

This has resulted in the closure of the bell metal industry in the region, which is of great concern as it is the source of livelihoods to a lot of the local populace.

It may be mentioned that on Monday, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Sarthebari to check the flood situation.

However, it has been alleged that a very paltry amount was donated as flood relief to the people of Sarthebari, so the locals have demanded proper relief from the Government and assistance to overcome from this pathetic situation.

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