CM visits Lakhimpur, announces Rs 100 crore for repair of dyke

From a correspondent

Lakhimpur, Aug 8: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal who visited flood ravaged Lakhimpur district on Tuesday announced release of Rs 100 crore for repairing of embankments in the flood hit Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Biswath and Majuli districts. He also directed Water Resources Department to do the needful for expeditiously reconstruct the embankments to give succour to the affected people.

Visiting Lakhimpur on Tuesday and assessing the flood induced damages in the district and reviewing the rehabilitation and reconstruction process, Sonowal said, “State Government is very much concerned about the large scale destruction caused by the flood and the sufferings of the people. State Government is committed to extend its helping hands and assuage the torment of the people”.

Chief Minister Sonowal visited Bogolijan area where Ronganodi eroded and washed away large portion of the embankment. During inspection he interacted with the local people and assured them of all rehabilitation and reconstruction works including repairing of embankments which would be completed on a war footing. He also asked Water Resources Department to ensure quality in the reconstruction work. He also informed the flood affected people that he has been in constant touch with the NEEPCO authorities and categorically cautioned the company to stay away from discharging of water, responsible for worsening flood condition in the lower riparian districts in the state.

He also held a review meeting at Lilabari Airport where he took stock of the reconstruction works being undertaken in the flood ravaged Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district. He also asked Deputy Commissioners to deploy gaon buras  and Agriculture Extension Officers for a survey to ensure no flood victim is denied of flood relief. He also reiterated that the State Government has no dearth of money as he asked deputy commissioners of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji to submit their survey report at the earliest so that state government can expedite the reconstruction process.

Chief Minister Sonowal also asked APDCL in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji to take all safety measures to prevent all electrocuted deaths in the districts. He also asked APDCL functiories to undertake awareness campaigns to generate public awareness. Sonowal also asked  District Agriculture Officers to take all necessary steps for the robust agricultural activities in the districts.

Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, MP Pradan Barua, MLAs Ranuj Pegu, Debanda Hazarika, Utpal Dutta and a host of senior officers were present at the review meeting.

Moreover, Sonowal also asked Charaideo District administration to immediately reach out to the flood affected people at Sori. He also talked to the Deputy Commissioner of Charaideo district and local MLA over phone and took stock of the situation arising out of sudden surge on water in the district.  On the side lines of his Lakhimpur District, Chief Minister Sonowal also visited Deka Fakir Majhar and iugurated a bhawan there.