Assam CM reviews flood preparedness

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed Water Resources Department (WRD) and other related departments to remain fully prepared to tackle floods during the coming monsoon season, an official release said here.

The chief minister reviewed the flood preparedness with Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta and senior officials.

Floods caused by heavy rain in the state as well as in upper reaches of its neighbours are a recurring problem for Assam that affects its people and economy.

During the last two years, a total of 12.02 km new embankments were created and 103 km of embankments strengthened, the release said.

Moreover, during the same period 44 anti-erosion and town protection works were completed as against 28 during the last two years of the previous government, it said.

Sonowal also directed the officials to coordinate between panchayat and rural development, WRD and deputy commissioners and complete plugging of breaches.

He also directed the WRD to maintain the highest order of vigilance during the flood season to ensure safety of the river embankments and to store adequate flood fighting materials near vulnerable points.