Assam Government Launches Rehabilitation Plan for Flood-Hit Districts Post-Assembly Session

Dispur, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: As floodwaters continued to recede across Upper Assam on Sunday, the Assam government shifted its focus from emergency rescue operations to large-scale rehabilitation, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing a coordinated restoration plan that will see ministers fan out across flood-hit districts immediately after the ongoing Assembly session.

Addressing the state through a live social media session, Sarma said the immediate priority remains ensuring relief reaches every affected family while preparing for the long road to recovery in the worst-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat. These districts have been particularly vulnerable due to their geographical location, which makes them prone to flooding during the monsoon season.

The state has historically faced flooding challenges, particularly in the Brahmaputra River basin, which sees significant rainfall during the monsoon months from June to September. The recent floods have been described as unprecedented, with Sarma noting that these were the worst to hit the four districts in nearly two decades. The floods affected 19 revenue circles, 1,040 villages, and 977,483 people, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis.

While 145 relief camps continue to shelter 41,945 people, rescue teams have evacuated 28,645 stranded residents. The scale of displacement has raised concerns about the long-term impact on communities, particularly regarding livelihood and mental health. Many families have lost not only their homes but also their means of income, which will necessitate a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy that goes beyond immediate relief.

With floodwaters beginning to recede in several areas, the government is now expanding relief distribution and preparing to restore damaged public infrastructure. This includes not only physical structures like roads and bridges but also essential services such as healthcare and education, which have been severely disrupted.

"Once the Assembly session concludes, ministers of every department will visit the affected districts to undertake sector-wise restoration work, including repairing schools, restoring healthcare services, rebuilding rural infrastructure, and accelerating rehabilitation," the Chief Minister said. The emphasis on a multi-departmental approach indicates that the government is recognizing the interconnectedness of various sectors in the recovery process.

Sarma noted that floodwaters had inundated numerous schools and anganwadi centres, rendering them unusable, making restoration of education and public services a key priority in the next phase of the government's response. The interruption in education could have long-term consequences for students, particularly those in their formative years, and the government aims to address this swiftly.

To strengthen relief delivery, Sarma said specially prepared family relief kits have begun reaching affected districts from Kamrup Metro, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. Each kit contains 8 kg of rice, 2 kg of dal, one litre of mustard oil, salt, and candles, while food packet distribution will continue over the next seven days. This systematic approach to distributing essentials is crucial in ensuring that families have access to basic nutrition and sustenance during the recovery phase.

The Chief Minister said 14,400 quintals of rice, 2,736 quintals of dal, and 58,967 litres of mustard oil have already been distributed among flood-affected families. The quantity of supplies being mobilized reflects the scale of the disaster and the urgent need for sustained support.

Highlighting improvements in aerial relief operations, Sarma said the government modified the air-drop mechanism after complaints that food packets were getting damaged during delivery. Following discussions with the General Officer Commanding of the Eastern Air Command in Shillong, the revised system was successfully deployed in Nazira and Sivasagar, enabling safer delivery of supplies to villages that remain cut off by road and boat. This adaptation showcases the government's responsiveness to feedback and its commitment to improving the efficiency of relief operations.

According to the Chief Minister, the Indian Air Force has carried out 29 sorties so far, air-dropping more than 4,100 relief packages to marooned communities. The involvement of the Indian Air Force underscores the gravity of the situation and the collaborative efforts between state and central agencies in addressing the crisis.

Rescue and relief operations continue with 250 NDRF personnel, supported by 36 NDRF boats, 65 SDRF and Fire and Emergency Services boats, three Indian Army boats, and 82 country boats mobilised from Majuli and neighbouring areas. The deployment of such a large number of personnel and assets indicates the seriousness of the situation and the government's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

While acknowledging that some remote villages may still be awaiting assistance, Sarma said the administration is making every effort to ensure no affected family is left out. The challenge of reaching isolated communities is significant, and the government is working to overcome logistical hurdles to deliver aid effectively.

As rehabilitation gathers pace, he appealed to citizens, voluntary organisations, and civil society groups to contribute essential household items, including clothes, utensils, educational kits, medical supplies, baby food, and disinfectants, saying these would be crucial as thousands of families return to damaged homes. This call for community support highlights the importance of collective action in times of crisis and reflects the resilience of the local population.

The Chief Minister also thanked ministers, MLAs, volunteers, and organisations involved in relief operations. He noted that Cabinet ministers Keshab Mahanta, Susanta Borgohain, and Bimal Borah have remained on the ground in Charaideo and Sivasagar since the floods began, while Finance Minister Ajanta Neog has been overseeing relief efforts in Jorhat and Golaghat. Their hands-on involvement indicates a strong commitment from the state government to the recovery process.

Sarma further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have remained in regular touch to monitor the situation, while a central assessment team has already begun surveying flood damage in Charaideo and will subsequently visit Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat before submitting its report to the Union Home Ministry. The involvement of the central government is crucial in mobilizing additional resources and support for the affected areas.

The floods have so far claimed 65 lives across Assam, including 59 in the four worst-affected districts. Seven people remain missing, while the disaster has killed 21,007 livestock, damaged more than 70,884 hectares of agricultural land, and severely affected schools and other public infrastructure. The long-term implications of these losses will be felt for years to come, particularly in terms of food security and economic stability in the region.

In conclusion, the Assam government's proactive approach to flood relief and rehabilitation reflects the urgency of the situation. As the state transitions from immediate rescue operations to long-term recovery, the focus will need to be on rebuilding not just physical infrastructure, but also the social fabric of affected communities. The collaborative efforts of local, state, and central authorities, along with the support of civil society, will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead and ensuring that the affected populations can rebuild their lives.