“Stop Blame Game, Find Solutions”: Satyaranjan Bora Urges Assam Govt to Probe Causes Behind Upper Assam Floods
Guwahati, July 31: The Kutumba Suraksha Parishad has urged the Assam government to conduct a scientific assessment of the reasons behind the recurring flood devastation in Upper Assam and focus on solutions instead of engaging in blame games.
Addressing a press conference at the Dispur Press Club, Parishad president Satyaranjan Bora said the current flood situation was the result of long-term issues and did not occur overnight.
“The flood devastation in Upper Assam did not happen in a single day. We need to analyse our mistakes and identify where we went wrong,” Bora said.
Calls for Probe Into Environmental Factors
Bora alleged that large-scale hill cutting activities in neighbouring Nagaland and Meghalaya may have contributed to worsening flood conditions in Assam.
He urged the Chief Minister to take strict action against illegal hill cutting and excavation activities if they are found to be affecting the state’s environment.
USTM Allegations Need Fact-Based Investigation: Bora
Addressing repeated allegations linking the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) with artificial floods in Guwahati, Bora said the issue should be examined through facts rather than accusations.
He said the Parishad would send a delegation to USTM to understand the situation.
“Whenever there is waterlogging at Jorabat, USTM is blamed. We want to find a solution based on facts rather than allegations. If USTM is responsible, the reasons must be properly investigated,” he said.
Government Must Focus on Flood Victims’ Mental Health
Bora also highlighted the psychological impact of floods on affected communities, saying many victims are struggling mentally after repeated disasters.
He urged public representatives to avoid insensitive remarks and take steps to support the mental well-being of flood-affected people.
Suggests ‘Girinka-Like’ Livelihood Support Model
Taking inspiration from Rwanda’s Girinka Programme, where poor families are provided cows to support livelihoods, Bora suggested a similar initiative for Assam’s flood-affected families.
He proposed that families in severely affected areas, including Nepalikhuti in Sivasagar, should receive livestock support such as two cows and four goats to help them rebuild their income sources.
Bora also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders to visit Assam during the ongoing crisis.
Raises Concern Over Hatishila Hill Construction
Bora also raised concerns over an alleged ten-storey construction project on Hatishila Hill near a Ganesh temple in Chandrapur.
He claimed that extensive hill cutting was carried out for the project and alleged that it falls within the eco-sensitive zone of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. He said the developer had not submitted required documents, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and soil test reports.
Bora said he had written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking action against those responsible.
The Kutumba Suraksha Parishad president also thanked AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Mahbubul Hoque, and others for their assistance to flood-affected people.
The Parishad has called for a scientific approach, stronger rehabilitation measures, and accountability to address Assam’s recurring flood crisis.
