Assam to Begin Final Flood Damage Assessment, Bans Public Relief Collections

The Assam government will commence the final assessment of flood-related losses across the state from Friday, a move that will pave the way for compensation to affected families, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said relief operations have now entered a new phase, with road connectivity restored to all flood-hit areas. Unlike the initial days of the disaster, when many villages remained cut off, the administration is now in a position to reach every affected locality and carry out rehabilitation work.

Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister appealed to individuals and organisations not to raise money from the public in the name of flood relief and then distribute assistance under personal or organisational banners.

"If anyone wants to help, they should either spend from their own resources or hand over the contribution to the government. There is no need to collect money from the public separately," he said.

Sarma also made it clear that no one should be pressured into making donations. He said the Assam Police have been directed to act against any instance of forced collection of flood relief funds from shopkeepers, traders or members of the public.

"Nobody has the right to compel people to donate. If such complaints come to us, the police will take necessary action," he said.

The Chief Minister said people affected by the floods can now approach the district administration directly for assistance, as government teams have access to every affected area.

He added that officials will begin the final verification of damage from Friday. Once the exercise is completed, compensation will be released to eligible beneficiaries in accordance with government norms.

The state has been carrying out relief and rehabilitation work in several flood-affected districts over the past few weeks following one of the season's worst spells of flooding. The floods have affected lakhs of people, with many losing their homes, crops and livestock. The government's decision to monitor individual relief collections comes amid concerns that unauthorised collection drives could exploit public generosity or create confusion about official relief efforts.

The verification process is expected to cover all affected districts, ensuring that compensation reaches those who need it most. The government has urged residents to cooperate with officials during the assessment and to report any irregularities.

This development underscores the administration's focus on transparent and accountable relief distribution, while also ensuring that the spirit of voluntary assistance is not undermined by coercive or unauthorised collection methods.