Assam flood recovery and infrastructure restoration

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has continued high-level engagements in New Delhi to secure central support for flood recovery and infrastructure rebuilding. Following initial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sarma met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured the state of full central support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Focus has expanded to include critical transportation infrastructure. In meetings with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the Chief Minister emphasized the immediate repair of flood-damaged National Highways and the necessity of developing flood-resilient road networks. Discussions specifically addressed the need for evidence-based planning for bridges and culverts to improve drainage, alongside a comprehensive redesign of local highway infrastructure to mitigate recurring flash flooding in Jorabat.

Recent developments include specific financial and housing commitments from the Centre. During discussions with Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan, approximately ₹140 crore was approved under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme. Additionally, the construction of 386,507 new houses has been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with further funds directed toward rural development and local self-help groups.

The scale of the crisis has intensified, with 105 deaths reported. Rising waters have affected 98 villages across five districts: Cachar, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Nagaon, and Jorhat. Damage assessments for residential properties are currently underway.

Political tension remains regarding the adequacy of central aid. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi continues to advocate for a ₹10,000-crore special package to address economic losses and infrastructure damage, while maintaining his criticism regarding the utilization of the PM CARES Fund.