Assam Government Provides Compensation to Landslide Victims' Families

Compensation Announcement for Landslide Victims

Guwahati, June 1: The Assam administration has declared a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each of the families affected by the recent landslides in Kamrup Metro, resulting in five fatalities.

Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah made this announcement on Sunday after a meeting with officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and local administration.

Minister Mallabaruah expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, stating, "It is truly heartbreaking that five individuals lost their lives. We have ensured that each victim's family receives Rs 4 lakh. Ward commissioners have been directed to distribute the cheques today."

He highlighted that in addition to the financial aid, the government is implementing extensive relief initiatives to tackle the immediate and logistical issues caused by ongoing waterlogging in various parts of Guwahati.

Despite previous relief efforts, many flood-affected areas have not received adequate assistance, he noted. Mallabaruah mentioned that while teams had previously delivered aid to different localities, some regions remained unreachable due to severe flooding and lack of transport routes.

"I personally visited the areas where relief could not be effectively delivered. We observed that in many waterlogged regions, boats are primarily used to transport stranded individuals, complicating the delivery of relief supplies. Furthermore, we lack green corridors or alternative routes to swiftly move materials in those areas, which is a significant gap we are addressing," he stated.

To mitigate this issue, the government has decided to pre-stock relief supplies in elevated locations within the most flood-prone areas, such as Anil Nagar and Tarun Nagar. This strategy will facilitate quicker distribution when flooding obstructs access.

In addition to food and water, the government is providing mosquito coils, candles, sanitary napkins, and baby food for families with infants.

Mallabaruah also mentioned that recent evaluations revealed partial structural damage to several homes in Hatigaon and other regions, along with the loss of household items like clothing and utensils.

"Residents in Hatigaon have reported significant damage to their belongings. We have decided to offer additional financial support for these losses, and a thorough survey has been ordered to assess the damage," the minister added.

As part of the improved preparedness plan, each municipality will appoint ten volunteers from their areas. These volunteers will be equipped with essential gear such as raincoats and gumboots to assist in on-ground operations during waterlogging events.

"Our mandals and gaon buras already cover extensive areas. Having local volunteers in each locality will enable us to reach affected individuals more swiftly," Mallabaruah explained.

He also addressed the need for preparedness in landslide-prone regions, directing the deployment of machinery like JCBs to quickly clear debris and evacuate at-risk residents if necessary.

Regarding urban drainage, Mallabaruah acknowledged that while one round of desilting had recently been completed, the ongoing waterlogging had rendered those efforts inadequate.

"We have completed one phase of desilting. However, due to new floods, the drains are blocked again. We will initiate another round of desilting within three to four days once the water recedes," he assured.

The minister concluded by condemning an incident where a female journalist was injured during a recent event in Jorhat, stating, "It is unfortunate and shameful that amid the chaos, a journalist was hurt and her clothes were reportedly torn. There were hardly any people from the field; those present merely came to show their faces. This is what occurs when politics is driven by theatrics," indirectly criticizing APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi.