A CORRESPONDENT
NAZIRA: The devastating floods in Upper Assam have left many families struggling to rebuild their homes, prompting voluntary organisations and individuals to provide relief and reconstruction assistance.
Among those involved is YouTuber and social worker Samay Gogoi, who has been assisting flood-affected people in Nazira, Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat.
On August 19, Gogoi’s team allegedly faced difficulties at Bihubar Tea Estate in Nazira while transporting more than 200 bamboo poles to rebuild houses at Kamalchapori. The vehicle was reportedly stopped at the tea estate gate by a security guard, who cited a damaged bridge and instructions from the manager not to allow vehicles inside at night.
Despite informing the authorities that the bamboo was urgently needed for reconstruction work, the team allegedly received no permission to proceed. Gogoi later arrived at the spot, and the team reportedly had to carry the bamboo manually to the construction site. The vehicle was allegedly not allowed to leave until the following morning.
The incident drew criticism from local residents and various organisations, particularly as the volunteers were engaged in flood-rehabilitation work.
On Friday, members of Bir Lachit Sena, the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association and other local groups met Bihubar Tea Estate Manager Dibesh Sharma and senior officials in the presence of Nazira Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Satyajit Bora. Following the discussion, the tea estate authorities reportedly apologised to Gogoi, his colleagues and the people of Assam for the incident and assured the representatives that such an incident would not be repeated.
Also Read: Assam, Nagaland Groups Forge Joint Peace Push After Floods, Border Strains