Guwahati: A six-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) on Tuesday concluded its assessment of flood-hit districts in eastern Assam after holding a high-level review meeting with Chief Secretary Ravi Kota at Janata Bhawan in Dispur. The state government informed the central delegation that the recent floods were unprecedented in nature and urged the Centre to consider enhanced relief support by relaxing existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance norms.
The central delegation, led by M. Ramachandrudu, Joint Secretary (Disaster Management-II), Ministry of Home Affairs, inspected the flood-affected districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat over four days before reviewing the findings with senior state officials.
Central Team Conducts Ground Assessment
The IMCT carried out extensive field visits across the affected districts to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods.
The inspection schedule included:
- July 26: Charaideo
- July 27: Sivasagar
- July 28: Jorhat and Golaghat
Following the field assessment, the delegation met senior Assam government officials to review the overall flood situation, relief measures and rehabilitation efforts.
Read also: Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota Orders Faster Flood Relief as Death Toll Reaches 41
State Explains Cause of Unprecedented Flooding
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) CEO L. Sweety Changsan presented a detailed assessment of the disaster.
She informed the delegation that the floods in Charaideo and Sivasagar were unlike previous flood events, noting that these districts have historically not been considered flood-prone.
According to the state government, the flooding was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall over Nagaland on July 19, particularly in Mokokchung, Wokha and Mon districts, combined with intense localized rainfall in eastern Assam. The unusual weather pattern resulted in widespread inundation across several districts.
Damage to Infrastructure and Livelihoods Reviewed
Officials briefed the IMCT on the extensive damage caused to:
- Residential houses
- Public infrastructure
- Agricultural lands
- Livelihoods
- Essential services
The government said rescue operations were carried out jointly by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, district administrations and local volunteers.
Authorities also informed the delegation that relief materials had been distributed in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
Relief Supplies Being Moved to Worst-Hit Areas
The state government highlighted ongoing relief operations, stating that family relief kits containing rice, dal, mustard oil, salt and candles were being transported from neighbouring districts to Sivasagar and Charaideo to support affected families.
Officials added that damage assessment is still underway and a comprehensive flood memorandum will be submitted to the Central Government after the flood season concludes.
Assam Seeks Relaxation in SDRF Norms
During the meeting, senior state officials requested the IMCT to recommend relaxation of SDRF assistance norms to enable greater financial support for residents in the worst-affected districts.
The state argued that the scale and nature of this year’s flooding warranted additional assistance beyond the existing disaster relief framework.
Wide Participation in Review Meeting
The review meeting witnessed participation from senior officials of several departments and central agencies.
Representatives included officials from:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Indian Army
- Northeast Frontier Railway
- Food Corporation of India (FCI)
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
District administrations of the affected districts also joined the meeting, with some officials participating virtually.
Besides team leader M. Ramachandrudu, the IMCT included representatives from the:
- Central Water Commission
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- National Remote Sensing Centre
Senior Assam government officials from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Industries, Panchayat & Rural Development and other departments were also present.
Centre Assures Report to Government of India
The IMCT assured the Assam government that its field observations and assessment would be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Government of India for further consideration regarding relief assistance and rehabilitation measures.
The visit forms part of the Centre’s assessment process for evaluating flood damage and determining eligibility for additional financial assistance after the completion of the flood season.
