Assam villages devastated by flood might have to be rebuilt: Sarma

Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday indicated that the state government may have to rebuild entire villages devastated by the recent floods in Upper Assam, saying the scale of destruction in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts has gone far beyond what can be addressed through immediate relief measures. 

After touring the flood-ravaged Nepali Khuti area in Sivasagar district aboard a tractor to reach inaccessible locations, Sarma said several villages have suffered such extensive damage that comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction would be necessary.

"The devastation in Sivasagar and Charaideo is much more severe than what is visible on television. Flood relief alone will not be enough. In places like Bihubor, Nepali Khuti, Betbari and Nimaijan, we may have to rebuild entire villages," the Chief Minister said.

He said the government would formulate a long-term rehabilitation plan after carrying out a detailed assessment of the destruction caused by the floods.

During his visit, Sarma interacted with affected families, many of whom narrated the loss of homes, livestock, agricultural land and other sources of livelihood.

He assured residents that the government would stand by them during both the relief and rehabilitation phases.

The Chief Minister noted that the extent of damage in several pockets has made it difficult for families to resume normal life even after floodwaters have started receding.

Officials accompanying the Chief Minister said the proposed rehabilitation exercise would involve a comprehensive assessment of damaged houses, public infrastructure, embankments, roads and livelihood losses before a detailed reconstruction plan is finalised.

The government is also expected to examine measures for rebuilding essential community infrastructure and restoring basic services in the worst-affected villages.

The recent floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, caused widespread devastation across Upper Assam, with Sivasagar and Charaideo emerging among the worst-hit districts.

Thousands of families were displaced as villages remained submerged for days, while houses, cropland, livestock and public infrastructure suffered extensive damage.

Sarma said the government would continue field visits and technical assessments to ensure that rehabilitation efforts go beyond short-term relief and provide a durable solution for families whose homes and villages have been severely affected by the disaster.