216 Flood-Prone Areas Identified; Water Resources Minister Directs Immediate Action

500-Word Summary:

As the monsoon season nears, Assam's Minister for Water Resources, Pijush Hazarika, chaired a crucial review meeting on Wednesday at Jal Bhawan, Guwahati. The meeting brought together engineers, officials of the Water Resources Department, and contractors to evaluate the progress of ongoing flood and erosion control efforts under the Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam (FREMAA). With the state facing annual challenges from floods, the minister's focus was on ensuring swift and effective preparedness.

A major agenda of the meeting was the review of critical flood mitigation materials such as geo bags, porcupines, and other resources. Hazarika emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate stock and ensuring that all identified high-risk and vulnerable areas are equipped in advance. The goal is to enable a timely and effective response in the event of a flood emergency.

One of the key concerns raised in the meeting was the urgency of addressing 216 vulnerable sites across the state, identified through field surveys. The minister instructed all departmental officials and contractors to expedite their work and meet deadlines, warning against any delay or negligence. He also stressed that accountability would be strictly enforced in case of non-compliance.

In his address, Hazarika pointed out the severe impact that floods have on the state each year. He highlighted that the government has taken several steps to mitigate the problem, including the construction of embankments. “We know floods really affect our state. Every year we try to tackle this issue, and we have done several works to eradicate flooding. We have built a 500 km embankment, and now we will build another 100–150 km embankment. Our goal is to stop these embankments breaking down during floods,” he stated.

He reassured that the state government remains committed to safeguarding both lives and property from recurring threats of flood and erosion. In this regard, the minister announced that he would personally monitor the progress of preventive works through site visits and inspections to ensure timely and quality implementation. Hazarika’s proactive approach signals the seriousness with which the government views the situation.

He urged all stakeholders—including department officials, engineers, and contractors—to work in close coordination and remain prepared. Emphasis was placed on the need for proactive planning and a commitment to public safety, especially in areas that are prone to high risk. The importance of timely action and coordination was underlined as essential to effectively managing flood situations and minimizing damage.

The meeting marks a key moment in the state’s pre-monsoon preparedness efforts. By setting clear directives, encouraging accountability, and stressing the urgency of completing preventive works on time, the minister aims to ensure that Assam is better equipped to deal with floods in the coming season. The measures undertaken reflect the government’s broader strategy of long-term flood management and protection of vulnerable communities through infrastructural reinforcement and responsive planning.

This review underscores the state's dedication to not only mitigating immediate threats but also establishing a robust and responsive flood management system that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability.