Guwahati: In a bid to involve local communities in flood mitigation, the Assam Cabinet has approved the constitution of ‘Local Embankment Monitoring and Flood Preparedness Committees’.
This initiative focuses on the prevention of embankment breaches and the provision of timely flood response measures.
The committees will be formed at the districts, co-districts, and embankment levels.
The committees will comprise officials from the Water Resources Department and 10-15 young volunteers who will be appointed in different locations. Each volunteer will be responsible for monitoring an 8-10 km stretch of embankments.
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The volunteers will be equipped with essential flood-fighting gear, including raincoats, torches, gumboots, and geobags. They will immediately alert authorities about any signs of weakness or potential breaches, enabling prompt action.
The committees will coordinate with local authorities and inspect the health of the embankments on a regular basis.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Engaging the youth in flood control efforts will not only help protect Assam’s embankments but also foster a sense of responsibility and preparedness. This initiative will allow real-time response to potential breaches, minimising damage and ensuring community safety.”
The cabinet also approved the establishment of the ‘Assam Climate Centre for Cities’ to augment climate action initiatives in urban areas and suggest and implement policy interventions.
The Assam Cabinet has also sanctioned Rs 190 crore under the scheme ‘State Government Budget for Free Drug Services’ for free distribution of medicines in government hospitals.
This initiative aims to provide medical relief to economically weaker sections, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Besides, the Assam government has allocated Rs 142 crore for constructing a state-of-the-art working women’s hostel in Jagiroad. This facility will accommodate 1,000 women who will soon be employed at a semiconductor plant in the region.
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The state cabinet has mandated that all official government orders and office memorandums be released in Assamese and English.
However, in Barak Valley, Bengali will be used along with Assamese and English, while in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), government orders and office memorandums will be issued in Bodo language along with English and Assamese.
