HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, May 25: In a proactive move towards strengthening disaster management and administrative efficiency, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Keshab Mahanta, chaired a high-level review meeting on Flood Preparedness and Mission Basundhara 3.0 at the District Commissioner’s Office Conference Hall in Sonitpur on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including MLAs Padma Hazarika (Naduar), Prithiraj Rava (Tezpur), Ganesh Kumar Limbu (Barchalla), and Krishna Kamal Tanti (Rangapara), as well as Gyandendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam (Revenue and Disaster Management), DC Ankur Bharali, SP Barun Purkayastha, CDC Naduar cum CEO DDMA Manash Kumar Saikia, CDC DhekiajuliDyotiva Bora, Circle Officers, and other senior officials.
Representatives from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Civil Defence, and various line departments also participated, sharing inputs and action plans to fortify the district’s flood management and emergency response mechanisms.
Key Discussion Points:Flood Preparedness: Emphasis was placed on creating detailed flood maps using historical data, water body proximity, and embankment status to enable precise, localized mitigation strategies.
Sectoral Coordination: Officials reviewed implementation of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, roles of departments, and training of emergency teams.
Livelihood and Agriculture: The Agriculture Department was tasked with promoting flood-resistant and late-sowing paddy varieties. Provisions for fodder supply for livestock were also discussed.
Vulnerable Infrastructure: The status of schools, embankments, and public structures in flood-prone zones was reviewed for early risk mitigation.
Public Awareness and Welfare: The Minister stressed the importance of community engagement, availability of essential medicines, medical personnel deployment, and the establishment of child-friendly spaces in relief camps.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister Mahanta announced an allocation of Rs 1.75 crore for early flood preparedness in Sonitpur district, with Rs 50 lakh each earmarked for Dhekiajuli and Naduar Co-Districts.
He also reviewed the progress of Mission Basundhara 3.0, urging officials to ensure timely execution of land-related and citizen-centric services under the initiative.