Accord top priority to providing relief: CM Himanta directs DCs

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Keeping in view the critical flood situation in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts to provide immediate relief to affected people.

The Chief Minister said that the first stage of relief should be based on human assessment. He asked the DCs to set aside procedural rules and regulations and accord top priority to providing immediate relief to people affected by the devastating floods in the State. He added that he had received complaints that people did not get relief items when they shifted to relief camps.

"Relief must be provided to all affected people and not just to those who take shelter in the relief camps," said the Chief Minister. He directed the DCs to set up centres in the flood-affected areas and ensure that relief is provided to all affected and stranded people. "As far as providing relief is concerned, I should not get any complaints from people," warned the Chief Minister.

He held a video conferencing meeting with the DCs of all districts today to review the flood situation and disaster preparedness. He took stock of preparations being made by the DCs in their respective districts to tackle the situation. He told the DCs that sufficient fund was available for flood relief and rehabilitation.

"But you do not provide relief on time. You seek requisitions and reports from gaon burahs, which delays the relief process. These are rules and regulations which have been going on since the time of the British and now you should do away with these rules," he said while addressing the DCs.

"When there is a delay in providing relief to people, it sends a wrong message to people that Dispur or Delhi is not providing any assistance. But the government is ready to extend any help needed to tackle the flood situation," he further said.

"Airdropping of relief materials must be done in areas where there is heavy flooding and road communication has been disrupted," said the Chief Minister. He added said that starting from tomorrow, for the next two-three days, petrol and diesel would be airdropped in the Barak Valley.

He directed DCs to ensure daily visits of doctors to relief camps and to plan mega health camps to ensure that post-flood diseases are effectively dealt with. He laid stress on ensuring that there was no shortage of medicines and baby food. He added that steps must also be taken for relief and relocation of domestic animals and poultry. Medicines for animals must be available, he said and asked the DCs to send requisitions.

Chief Minister Sarma directed the DCs to start immediate assessment of damages as soon as the flood waters begin to recede and to chalk out an effective plan for repair. The DCs must submit their reports within seven days, he said.

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