JORHAT, July 28 - Taking stock of the situation in the flood-hit Majuli, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed the district administration to intensify relief operation in the affected areas of the river island.
After visiting the Bongaon breach and the relief camps at Bongaon MV School, Majuli Ranghar, Sonowal urged the Water Resources Department to take up prompt steps to plug the breach as soon as possible.
Several people of the locality complained to the Chief Minister about the negligence of the officials of the Water Resources Department, which has led to massive disaster during the floods.
�Had the officials concerned taken up appropriate measures to protect the embankment at Bongaon, the breach could have been prevented,� rued locals before the Chief Minister, who is also their local MLA. It may be mentioned that 2,480 people have been taking shelters at nine relief camps in different locations of the river island.
Several female inmates of the relief camps sought compensation for the loss of household properties and agricultural damage caused by the flood.
Talking to newsmen, Sonowal assured of providing relief to the affected people as well as of taking up measures to protect the entire island from flood and erosion in future.
Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta and Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.
North Lakhimpur Correspondent adds: The Chief Minister today visited North Lakhimpur to take stock of the worsening flood situation in the district. He arrived at the Leelabari airport at 2 pm and went to the Circuit House here. He met some representatives of the flood-affected people of Bihpuria, Nowboicha, Lakhimpur and Dhakuwakhona LAC areas and listened to their various problems.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said that lakhs of people have been affected by the current wave of floods in the State and urged various organisations, from the length and breadth of Assam, to come forward and extend help in tackling the situation.
Sonowal also had meetings with various officials of the Lakhimpur district administration at the Circuit House.
