A delegation from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday to address the severe flood and river erosion crisis in the state. Led by Pranjit Das, Chairman of the APCC Relief and Rehabilitation Department, the delegation submitted a formal memorandum requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially designate Assam's recurring flood situation as a national problem.
Casualties and Current Flood Situation
Although flood conditions showed signs of improvement on Wednesday with the number of affected residents decreasing to 87,000 across four districts, the death toll continued to climb. Two additional fatalities were reported, bringing the total number of deaths caused by the deluge to 103. Despite the receding waters in certain areas, the overall impact on local communities remains profound.
Alarming Geography and Impact on Livelihoods
The memorandum highlighted stark statistics regarding Assam's vulnerability to natural disasters. Approximately 40 percent of the state's total geographical area, translating to nearly 31.05 lakh hectares of land, is prone to flooding. This figure stands significantly higher than the national average of 10.2 percent. The persistent inundation has severely disrupted the livelihoods of farmers, daily wage workers, and tea garden laborers, while leaving countless families displaced from their homes.
Demand for High-Level Task Force
To formulate a permanent solution to this recurring tragedy, the Congress party urged the central government to establish a high-level task force. The proposed body would bring together central and state officials, scientific experts, technical specialists, and representatives from the affected communities to develop comprehensive flood management and erosion control strategies.
