Union Home Minister Amit Shah decided that the Centre would soon call a meeting with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Power Ministry, and the state government to look at measures to include more flood moderation storage reservoirs and hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate floods in the state. This decision followed a meeting on the “flood-free Assam” initiative of the Assam government. One of the promises made by the BJP in the 2019 national elections and the 2021 Assam elections was a flood-free Assam.
Assam was once again hit hard by flooding this year.
Official sources claim that Mr. Shah requested that the Assam government develop an action plan to preserve and revitalize the wetlands in the state and increase their holding capacity so that they can also act as storage reservoirs during floods. He also called for the enactment of new laws for the protection of reservoirs.
He emphasized that the state must take all necessary measures in this area, including passing legislation protecting reservoirs and creating a system for its enforcement.
According to insiders, bringing in significant private investment was another critical recommendation from the home minister.
The development of flood forecasting and early warning systems will be a top priority for the state water resource department and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). They will discuss using satellite images and other scientific data from central organizations like the North Eastern Space Applications Centre.
