HT Correspondent
HOJAI, June 2: Minister for Water Resources, Pijush Hazarika, conducted a visit to the flood-affected areas of Hojai district on Sunday to assess the situation.
Several areas, including Raikata, Dighalbari, and Bishnupur, have witnessed severe flooding due to the rising water levels of the Kopili River.
During his visit, Hazarika interacted with the affected residents and assured them of full assistance.
Speaking to the media, Hazarika emphasised the importance of the proposed construction of a 13 km long embankment dam, announced by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in 2023.
“Due to technical issues, the project was delayed. A detailed study was conducted by IIT Guwahati, and last month they submitted their report to us,” he added.
Hazarika also announced that construction work on the dam is scheduled to commence from November 2024. He appealed to the people to cooperate with the government in this endeavor, emphasising that the dam will be vital for their protection and welfare.
“I have instructed the engineers and officials of the Public Works Department and Water Resources Department to initiate the preliminary steps for the dam’s construction, with the support of local MLAs and the District Administration,” he added.
Accompanying Hazarika were Ramkrishna Ghosh, Local MLA, Lachit Kumar Das, district commissioner, the superintendent of police, BJP district president, and several other officials.
Meanwhile, as per officials, the flood situation in Assam remained unchanged with more than six lakh people in 10 districts reeling under waters.
Heavy rains in different parts of the state led to the swelling of river water level, forcing affected people in many areas to evacuate to safety.
Kopili, Barak and Kushiyara rivers were flowing over the danger level.
Altogether 6,01,642 people in Hailakandi Hojai, Morigaon, Karimganj, Nagaon, Cachar, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong West and Dima Hasao districts remained affected due to the floods.
The death toll in floods and storm since May 28 is at 15, the officials said.
Nagaon remained the worst-hit district with over 2.79 affected population, followed by Hojai (1,26,813 affected population) and Cachar (1,12,265). More than 40,000 displaced people were taking shelter in relief camps across various districts.
Rescue and relief operations were being carried out by multiple agencies, including NDRF, SDRF, local administration and people.
Road and rail communication in several parts of the state remained disrupted, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
