No illegal mining in Assam, Nagaland issue to be raised with Centre: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 4 said the state government will begin assessing damage to flood-affected houses from August 9 to expedite relief and rehabilitation for families affected by the recent floods.

Speaking during his visit to flood-hit areas in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts, the Chief Minister said he had spent the last two days interacting with affected residents and assured them that the government would extend all necessary assistance.

"We have been meeting flood victims over the last two days and assuring them of relief. From August 9, we will begin detailed measurements of damaged houses so that assistance can be provided as quickly as possible," Sarma said.

He added that the district administration has already identified nearly one lakh flood-affected beneficiaries, and the list prepared by the Deputy Commissioner has been verified by the government to ensure eligible families receive assistance without delay.

"The Deputy Commissioner has already given us the names, and we have examined the list. Nearly one lakh people have already been identified for assistance," the Chief Minister said.

Sarma said temporary arrangements had been made for displaced families staying in relief locations, while houses of eligible beneficiaries would be rebuilt under the government's rehabilitation programme.

Referring to the persistent waterlogging in several towns, the Chief Minister said unusually high water levels in the Brahmaputra had slowed drainage.

"The water is unable to flow out easily because of the high river level. We will make every effort to drain out the water as quickly as possible," he said.

Sarma also acknowledged that highways had obstructed the natural flow of floodwater in certain areas and said he would ask the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to construct additional cross-drainage structures.

On concerns over mining activities in neighbouring Nagaland contributing to flooding, the Chief Minister said the Assam government had no jurisdiction to stop mining outside the state.

"I am the Chief Minister of Assam. I cannot stop mining in Nagaland. I will raise the issue with the Centre. There is no illegal mining in Assam. We need a scientific study to determine the actual cause of the problem," he said, adding that Nagaland itself had also been affected by floods.

Sarma further said embankments would be constructed in vulnerable areas wherever land was made available by local residents, stressing that public cooperation would be essential for long-term flood mitigation.

Responding to opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi's demand for higher compensation to flood victims, the Chief Minister said people deserved more assistance but the government had to work within practical financial limits.

"People should get more than Rs 10 lakh if possible, but we are running the government and know the financial realities," he said.

Taking a swipe at Gogoi, the Chief Minister added, "Akhil Gogoi made a reel by swimming in floodwater. The question is, whom did he rescue?"