Sonowal lays foundation of multi-purpose flood shelter home at Lakhimpur Government frames project for protection of erosion hit Bonpurai-Jamugurihat areas
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today laid the foundation stone of the multipurpose flood shelter home at Bahgarah in Bihpuria of Lakhimpur district at a cost of Rs. 2.51 crore. The Flood Shelter Home will be of three storied building to be built on RRC structure having approximately 5000 square feet in each floor.
It may be noted that three multipurpose flood shelters have been taken up at Karatipar of Majuli, Kanaragaon, Mandia of Barpeta district and Bahgarah village, Bihpuria of Lakhimpur district this year. The remaining multipurpose flood shelters will be constructed at Dhemaji, Biswanath and Cachar district in the next financial year. In addition to every floor of each multi-purpose flood shelter, there will be generator set and solar system for
continuous supply of electricity. These shelter homes will have provision of receiving food supply by helicopter during floods. Besides, for keeping livestock there will be shelter. The government will also take measures to build such shelter homes in other flood prone areas of the state in phases. In addition of being a shelter for the flood victims these shelter homes will also be used for various social and cultural programs.
Addressing a meeting on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the rivers in Assam including their tributaries have been causing floods and erosion every year, making the people of the state to suffer. The Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been effectively trying to solve the problem of floods and erosion. Steps have been taken for the first time since independence for finding lasting solution to flood and erosion and at
the directive of the Prime Minister, a committee headed by the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog with representatives of the North Eastern States was constituted to give suggestions on solving the issue at the national level. This committee has already recommended for setting up of North East Water Management Authority. The Chief Minister also said that the move will provide a permanent and scientific solution to the flood and erosion problems of the state.
The Chief Minister also said that the 15th Finance Commission has recognized erosion as a natural disaster as a result of which State government would get more money from the Centre. For the first time, the Chief Minister maintained that the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken pragmatic steps for finding lasting solution for flood and erosion in the state. He also said that since he himself grew up in the flood
prone areas, he can very well internalize the plight of the people afflicted with flood. The Chief Minister also said that the previous governments had never taken such effective measures to give respite to the people affected with flood. The Chief Minister also observed that the present State government to safeguard land rights of the indigenous people has allotted land pattas to the indigenous people.
Moreover, under Asam Darshan financial assistance was given to sattras, namghars, devalays etc. For promoting indigenous languages and their literature, the Government launched “Bhasa Gaurav” scheme and provided one-time financial assistance to the Corpus Funds of Asom
Sahitya Sabha, Bodo Sahitya Sabha and 20 indigenous Sahitya Sabhas.
The Chief Minister also said that the State government has prepared a project to prevent the erosion of Banpurai-Jamugundi Ghat at a cost of Rs. 10.5 crore. The Chief Minister also called upon the parents take steps to imbibe love in their wards for education and culture. The Chief Minister urged upon the local people to extend all cooperation for the construction of multi-faceted shelter homes. The Chief Minister also called on the people to
keep a close eye on the quality of the construction.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State [Independent] Panchayat and Rural Development Naba Kumar Doley thanked Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for taking steps to set up such multi-purpose shelter homes in the area. The Minister also mentioned that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sonowal a number of effective steps have been taken for the welfare of the people of all sections of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management Jogan Mohan said that the present State government has taken strong steps to help the flood victims live in a healthy environment especially during the flood season. Speaking on the multipurpose shelter homes, he said that the project will be completed within 10 months. The minister also gave a snapshot of the fast and effective steps taken by the State Department of Revenue and Disaster Management for the flood victims in the last few years.
MLA Bihpuria Legislative Assembly Devananda Hazarika gave the welcome address in the programme which was also attended among others by Commissioner and Secretary Disaster Management MS Manivannan, DC Dr. Jeevan B, Superintendent of Police Longnit Teron, prominent social worker Ponidhar Baruah and a host of other dignitaries among others.
