GUWAHATI, Aug 27 � The State BJP today demanded a scientific and permanent solution to the State�s flood problem in view of the recurring devastations caused by floods every year.
Addressing a press conference, BJP State general secretary Pradyut Bora said that if a nation like the Netherlands which had one-third of its land below sea level could protect it effectively from water, why the Government could not work out a similar and effective protection mechanism for Assam.
A delegation of the BJP visited the flood-affected Dhemaji district on August 25 and distributed relief materials among the affected people.
Underlining the need for proper study of the peculiarities of the State�s floods, Bora said that mega dams apart, there were critical factors that needed to be taken into consideration in evolving a holistic strategy to combat the menace of floods, especially with regard to those triggered by excess waters in upstream Arunachal Pradesh.
Bora, while terming the Brahmaputra Board as a white elephant that had failed to serve its purpose or utility, said that the Board had to be revamped and made an effective and efficient body.
Bora also questioned why the separate water resource management authority for entire North-east did not materialize even after the idea was mooted by no less an authority than the Prime Minister way back in 2004.
On Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi�s reported statement that the State could concede parts of its land along the Bangladesh border to the neighbouring country, Bora said that it was totally unbecoming on the part of a person who had taken oath under the Constitution of the country to safeguard its integrity and sovereignty to have made such a comment.
�It is a shocking statement coming from the Chief Minister of the State who is under a constitutional obligation to protect the State�s geographical integrity. We will take up the matter with our party leaders at the Centre at the earliest,� Bora said.
