Over Rs 1,000 crore likely needed for rehabilitation of Assam flood victims: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said at least Rs 1,000 crore will be required for repair of properties and rehabilitation of the flood affected people in the districts ravaged by the latest wave of the deluge.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured of full assistance in the rehabilitation process.

"To give a permanent relief, a rapid relief assessment drive was launched on August 9. As per an initial report, over 8,000 families have been assessed and Rs 150 crore damage has been estimated," Sarma said.


The survey will continue till August 30 and is expected to cover 50,000-60,000 families in the Upper districts, hit hard by the latest floods, he added.

Also read | Supreme Court to hear plea raising issue of disruption of essential services during protests

"I believe there will be a spending of over Rs 1,000 crore in damage repair and rehabilitation. The PM has assured that there is no issue in paying the affected families and asked us to do the assessment without any lapse," Sarma said.

Acknowledging support from various groups in providing relief to the affected people, he said that 72 YouTubers have raised funds across the country for this purpose.

"Many of them are already working on the ground and giving relief to the people. We are keeping a close watch on them whether they are spending the money for flood affected areas," he added.

Sarma released Rs 11.3 crore to rebuild 494 flood damaged Anganwadi centres across the Upper Assam.

Also read | Himachal imposes 60 paise/litre widow, orphan cess on petrol, diesel

"We want to restart these centres as soon as possible so that all services can be provided. Altogether 494 Anganwadi centres, which were damaged, will be rebuilt in this drive," he said.

Each centre will receive up to Rs 2.5 lakh to restore these vital community spaces, he said.