Assam to constitute Flood and Erosion Protection Authority to tackle floods

Ravaged by floods every year, Assam has decided to constitute a Flood and Erosion Protection Authority (FEPA) to strengthen the existing embankments and build new ones and to replace the ones that have outlived their utility. The state government has decided to earmark Rs 1,000 crore for FEPA.

The new authority would be in addition to the proposed Brahmaputra Valley River Authority. "The new authority will take up long term anti-erosion measures including dredging of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra river to minimise the impact of floods and erosion," said Tarun Gogoi, chief minister of Assam

Gogoi yesterday made an aerial survey of the flood hit districts of Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur and Majuli subdivision under Jorhat district. The chief minister accompanied by state's water resource minister, Rajib Lochan Pegu,and other senior officials. Gogoi made an aerial survey of Bamungaon, Sisirgaon, Duerighat, Rekha Chapori of Dhemaji district and Bihpuria, Narayanpur, Panigaon, Naobaicha of Lakhimpur district and also Majuli subdivision for almost two hours on an Army chopper. He later reviewed the flood situation with the district administrations of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur at Lilabari Airport.

In Lakhimpur district, 7 revenue circles have been reeling under flood waters covering 240 villages. 1.14 lakh people have been affected.

Around 7,836.25 hectares of crop area have been affected and 4 persons have died while one is reported to be missing. In the worst flood-hit Dhemaji district, 3.20 lakh people have been affected covering 718 villages under four Revenue Circles.

Three persons have lost their lives and 69 relief camps have been opened housing 43,728 inmates.