Assam floods: CM seeks scientific study on mining link, promises faster relief

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the devastating floods that have claimed at least 87 lives in the state will be discussed with the Centre, particularly the possible role of mining activities in neighbouring Nagaland. He stressed the need for a scientific study to establish the actual causes of the unprecedented deluge.

A majority of the deaths occurred in three districts adjoining Nagaland — Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat — which have historically been less prone to major floods. Mr. Sarma, who toured the affected areas on Tuesday, said the state government will begin assessing damage to houses from August 9 to fast-track relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Addressing growing concerns over mining in Nagaland, the Chief Minister said he cannot stop mining activities there, but will raise the issue with the Union government. “I cannot stop mining in Nagaland. I will raise the issue with the Centre. We need a scientific study to determine the actual cause of the problem,” he said, while clarifying that there is no illegal mining in Assam.

Local leaders, including Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, have blamed illegal sand, stone, and coal mining along the foothills of Nagaland for the flooding. They allege that such activities, along with widespread tree felling, have removed natural barriers that once slowed floodwaters rushing down the hills after heavy rains. Several Nagaland-based organisations have, however, dismissed these “theories” and rejected any suggestion that activities in their state are responsible for Assam’s floods.

Mr. Sarma announced that the government will drain out floodwaters as quickly as possible and rebuild damaged houses under its rehabilitation programme. He also pointed out that highways have obstructed the natural flow of water in certain areas. “I will ask the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to construct additional cross-drainage structures,” he said, and added that embankments will be built in vulnerable areas to prevent future flood damage.

The Chief Minister also agreed with Mr. Gogoi’s suggestion to increase compensation for flood victims. Meanwhile, donations have been pouring in from individuals, organisations, political parties, and social media influencers.

Many volunteers have contributed through ‘shram daan’ or voluntary labour. A group of Sikhs has been cleaning flooded namghars (prayer halls), temples, and other places of worship, besides serving meals. Daily wagers from western Assam, mostly Bengali Muslims and Koch-Rajbongshis, have been clearing silt from farmlands and house compounds, and removing livestock carcasses. Members of a barbers’ association are providing free haircuts to the affected people, while car mechanics from other parts of the state are repairing vehicles without charging labour fees.

“Visuals of hundreds of upturned, half-buried two-, three-, and four-wheelers made us reach out to the people. We do not have cash to spare, but decided we can make a difference by trying to restore these vehicles without any labour charge,” a mechanic from Nagaon said.