As Assam battles floods, Himanta says people must decide if they need Modi's presence or support

Guwahati: As Assam is grappling with floods and its aftermath, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said it is for the people to decide if they need the support of Prime minister Narendra Modi or his presence.

Sarma said, “government will hold meetings with NBFCs to extend the moratorium to flood affected people. Similarly, we will hold meetings with insurance companies to make on field visits as early as possible and settle the claim of flood victims. Road repair works will start shortly and for this work I am receiving constant support and guidance from the Prime minister.”

Sarma while talking to media persons on Friday said, “Permanent damage assessment due to floods from August 7 and wrap up the exercise in next 10 to 15 days and within August we will ensure rehabilitation amount is paid.”


When asked about opposition parties and student organisations demanding the presence of Prime minister Narendra Modi, the chief minister said, “This is something to be debated. Yesterday the Governor went to flood affected areas and many people criticised that owing to the visit Deputy Commissioners had to remain busy with the Governor. Whether we really need a high profile visit at this point of time. Prime minister is helping us with the banking loan moratorium, he is sending money, he has empowered me to take whatever decision I want to take. We are in constant touch with the Prime minister and home minister. If their personal visit will help the relief measure that is the question.”

He said, “I have not gone for the last seven-eight days to the flooded areas as if I go, I will be accompanied by 20 to 25 vehicles and people will criticize thereafter. Some student organisations are warning you to come but not with escort cars. So, you need to decide if you need the Prime minister’s presence or his support. So far support is concerned we are getting it and whether his visit in Sivsagar and Charaideo is to be seen and decided.”

Sarma said, “If there is a Prime minister’s visit the district administration will be busy three days ahead of his visit. We have to see if this will really help us in relief measures or will it disturb the same. It is the Prime minister who will take a call when it is the right time to come. However, be assured he will ensure all assistance to the people of Assam.”

The chief minister chaired a review meeting with the Revenue & Disaster Management and Finance Departments to fast-track relief and rehabilitation measures for flood-affected families. He directed officials to expedite all formalities to ensure the announced Rs 15,000 financial assistance and other relief benefits reach every eligible family without delay.

He added that a comprehensive damage assessment will be carried out and that discussions will be held with insurance companies to help minimise losses suffered by affected people.

As there are discussions on the flood waters from Nagaland triggered flooding in Assam, Sarma said that any formal discussion with the neighbouring state on the issue would be taken up only after relief and rehabilitation efforts are completed. “It would be inappropriate to discuss accountability or the causes of the floods at a time when Nagaland itself is grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Maybe by September or October, we can meet the Nagaland Chief Minister and discuss the matter. At this stage, we cannot comment because Nagaland is also reeling under floods. They are also suffering."

Sarma said several academicians and experts are already examining the causes behind the floods, but the government is prioritising immediate relief measures. "By the time we meet, satellite imagery and scientific assessments will provide a clearer picture of what happened, its future implications and possible solutions".

The Chief Minister said districts such as Mon and Mokokchung in Nagaland have suffered extensive damage and stressed that everybody's focus at present should be on relief and rehabilitation rather than determining the causes of the floods.

The Assam government has announced that a six-month moratorium will be applicable for repaying all types of loans availed by flood-affected people. The death toll has increased to 80 and the number of affected people dipped to 2.12 lakh.