Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday visited flood-ravaged areas of Lakhimpur district, where rising waters—primarily from the release of water by NEEPCO’s Ranganadi Dam in Arunachal Pradesh—have left several villages submerged.
Touring the worst-hit regions, Sarma interacted with displaced residents and assured them of both immediate relief and long-term flood mitigation measures.
He also held meetings with local officials and representatives from NEEPCO to assess the situation and explore future safeguards.
In the Amtola area, where the embankment of the Pachnoi River has been breached, Sarma acknowledged the extensive damage.
“We’ve been informed that diverting water through a nearby stream could offer temporary relief. Immediate work will begin on that, along with a temporary fix for the embankment,” the chief minister said, adding that permanent restoration will commence post-monsoon, around September.
While speaking to reporters, Sarma emphasised the need for greater accountability and coordination in dam water management.
“If you store excessive water and release it all at once, it becomes a kind of ‘water bomb’ for those living downstream,” he said.
“We will initiate an inquiry and, if any negligence is found, the responsible parties will be held accountable.”
The Chief Minister has directed district authorities to ensure that all affected families receive necessary assistance without delay.
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Flooding has impacted nearly four lakh people across 17 districts in Assam, with landslides and rising waters claiming at least 10 lives so far.
As water levels remain high, emergency response teams continue relief and rescue operations across the state.
The state government is expected to engage in further dialogue with NEEPCO to explore long-term flood management strategies and reduce the recurring devastation in downstream areas.
