Guwahati, Aug 12 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government expects to spend more than Rs 1,000 crore on repairing flood-damaged properties and rehabilitating families affected by the latest wave of floods.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the state of full support for the rehabilitation process and directed the government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the losses.
“To provide permanent relief, a rapid relief assessment drive was launched on August 9. In the initial assessment, more than 8,000 families have been covered, and damage worth around Rs 150 crore has been estimated,” Sarma said. He said the assessment would continue until August 30 and is expected to cover nearly 50,000 to 60,000 affected families, particularly in severely impacted districts of Upper Assam.
Sarma said the final assessment could significantly increase the estimated financial requirement. “I believe there will be spending of over Rs 1,000 crore on damage repair and rehabilitation. The PM has assured that there is no issue in paying the affected families and asked us to conduct the assessment without any lapse,” he said.
The Chief Minister also appreciated individuals and organisations that have contributed to relief efforts. He said 72 YouTubers from different parts of the country had mobilised funds for flood relief, with several already engaged in ground-level assistance. “We are keeping a close watch on them to ensure that the money is being spent in flood-affected areas,” Sarma said.
He further announced Rs 11.3 crore for reconstruction of 494 Anganwadi centres damaged in the floods across Upper Assam. Sarma said the government wanted the centres restored at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services to children and families. Each damaged centre will receive up to Rs 2.5 lakh for restoration.
The latest assessment comes as Assam continues to undertake relief and rehabilitation measures following widespread flooding that damaged houses and infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods across several districts.
–IANS
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