Assam Flood Relief Targets Livestock Owners and Displaced Families

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a sweeping aid package for flood-ravaged regions in Upper Assam. The state is providing Rs 15,000 in immediate interim relief to 75,000 families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat. Displaced residents in Sivasagar and Charaideo who remain unable to return home by August 9 will receive an additional Rs 10,000 starting August 10.

The state flood toll sits at 82. While conditions improve, 178,837 people remain affected across seven districts, including Bajali, Dhemaji, and Sonitpur. Over 15,000 people are sheltering in 44 relief camps. The central government has released Rs 379.35 crore to the state as part of a larger, multi-state SDRF allocation.

Livestock losses represent a massive economic blow. Official reports count 24,460 impacted animals, though local accounts suggest far higher numbers. In Nepali Khuti, a village hit hard by the Dikhow River, farmers are devastated. "I could save only one cow. The remaining 29 died. They were all high-value breeds, including Sahiwal, Jersey and Gir," said local farmer Binod Sharma. He is not alone. Many residents urged the Chief Minister to build a guard wall and halt local stone quarrying, which they claim altered the river's course and worsened the disaster.

The government is now offering compensation under SDRF norms: Rs 37,500 per large milch animal for up to three head of cattle, Rs 4,000 per small animal for up to 30 goats or pigs, and Rs 100 per bird for up to 100 poultry. Additional aid includes up to Rs 1.20 lakh for home restoration. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has deployed mobile health units to these districts to manage disease risks for surviving livestock.

Ground-level assessments for total property and agricultural damage will commence on August 10. Beyond emergency cash, the state is also distributing fodder, including 959 quintals of wheat and 232.056 quintals of rice bran. Officials confirmed that insurance claims for damaged vehicles and heavy machinery, such as excavators and dumpers trapped in silt, will be facilitated where possible.