Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday (May 19) took stock of the flood preparedness in view of the forthcoming rainy season.
Taking note of delay in releasing the allotted amount for purchasing clothes, utensils and other household items for the flood affected people by district administrations, the Chief Minister directed the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to empower the DCs to immediately release such funds to affected individuals, a statement said.
He also directed for broadening the definition of relief camps so that all people in a flood affected area are provided compensation and not only camp inmates.
CM Sarma also instructed for carrying out flood damage assessment and subsequent release of reimbursements through a single window system of circle officer who would be made nodal officer for the purpose.
He said that too many departments and agencies delay the process of releasing the payments to the beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister also said that projects of immediate nature under SDRF must be completed within one financial year and works of projects going beyond 2 financial years must be foreclosed and the contracts should be terminated of those contractors. He also directed the department to issue Standing Instruction towards completion of such projects within 31st March of every year from now onwards.
Brining transparency and providing relief compensation to maximum number of individuals without delay must be the objective of the department and district administration, he said.
The chief minister also asked the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to direct the DCs to prepare for purchase of tarpaulin, medicine beforehand.
He directed the department to match data with satellite mapping mechanisms to identify the actual flood affected areas so that funds are precisely used.
He directed the department to actively engage in flood mitigation before the start of the season so that damages can be reduced and relief can be provided without delay.
With onset of monsoon, Assam is entering flood season. With flood come displacements, diseases & suffering. Covid adds to challenges. Reviewed relief plan in days ahead for immdte & adequate relief by placing full resources, coordination & sensitisation of field functionaries. pic.twitter.com/NhSyqsJYOH
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 19, 2021
Minister Revenue & Disaster Management Department Jogen Mohan, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Samir Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary of Revenue & Disaster Management Department Avinash Joshi, MD ASDMA G.D. Tripathi were present in the meeting among others.
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