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The Assam government will make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for beneficiaries receiving financial assistance under its flood resettlement programme after discrepancies were detected in bank account details collected during damage assessment surveys. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta said the government had temporarily halted assistance payments after discrepancies, including possible duplicate or incorrect bank account details, were detected during door-to-door surveys. To prevent duplication and ensure that assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries, Aadhaar authentication will now be integrated into the payment process. Data submitted by village heads will also be verified before beneficiary lists are forwarded for approval and funds are…

Assam has achieved a significant milestone in vulture conservation with the soft release of 10 captive-bred vultures into their natural habitat in Biswanath district, a move described by conservation authorities as a global first in vulture reintroduction efforts. Five slender-billed vultures and five white-rumped vultures were released on August 7 from the Jatayu Soft Release Centre at Tewaripal in Biswanath. The release was carried out as part of a long-running conservation programme jointly undertaken by the Assam Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). The birds were bred at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Rani, where the…

In an important step towards ensuring a swift, transparent and technology-driven assessment of flood damage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today formally inaugurated a digital survey training programme for flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat at the convention centre in Jorhat.The training programme has been launched to facilitate a scientific and comprehensive assessment of losses suffered by people affected by the recent devastating floods in the districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat.The training marks the beginning of a technology-enabled survey process that will support the government in preparing an accurate database for rehabilitation and assistance.Following the inaugural…

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully restored the railway tracks damaged by recent floods at Simaluguri and adjoining areas in Sibsagar district under the Tinsukia Division, enabling the resumption of rail connectivity in the affected region. The restoration was completed through sustained efforts by NFR's engineering teams despite adverse weather conditions and the challenging flood situation. Train operations have now resumed in a phased manner with appropriate safety measures in place. Although the railway track has been restored, many local residents, including families with children, along with their belongings and livestock, continue to take shelter on or near the…