Akhil Gogoi blames ‘mining syndicate’ for Assam floods, seeks probe

Guwahati, Aug 23 (IANS) Opposition leader in Assam and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has alleged that extensive damage to river protection structures and illegal mining activities along the Dikhow river contributed to the recent devastating floods in the state, and demanded a probe into the alleged nexus.

Gogoi on Saturday alleged that Assam Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain, Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar and MLA Mayur Borgohain were part of a “syndicate” allegedly involved in mining activities along the Dikhow river.

He also linked the alleged activities to the portfolio of Assam Finance, Environment and Forest, and Mines and Minerals Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, and held Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responsible for the situation.

Gogoi rejected the Chief Minister’s assertion that a cloudburst was responsible for the flooding, claiming that the disaster was triggered by a combination of factors, including the alleged destruction and weakening of river protection structures.

The MLA said he had deployed a special team equipped with drones to assess the flood situation and prepare a report.

According to him, the team identified several vulnerable points along the Dikhow river.

Gogoi alleged that five coffer dams had been constructed at locations where stone mining was being carried out and claimed that the structures were subsequently damaged during the monsoon.

He alleged that this contributed to the rapid rise in water levels and aggravated flooding in surrounding areas.

He also claimed that protective stone embankments along several stretches of the Dikhow had either been damaged or removed, leaving nearby areas exposed to floodwaters.

The Sivasagar MLA alleged that the destruction of these protective structures had also affected tea gardens in the region.

Questioning the Assam government’s explanation of the flood, Gogoi claimed that the India Meteorological Department had ruled out a cloudburst.

He accused Chief Minister Sarma of misleading the people over the actual reasons behind the disaster.

Gogoi also raised questions over the administration’s relief and rescue operations.

He alleged that only around 10 per cent of the required relief material reached affected residents and claimed that some of the rice distributed to flood victims was unfit for consumption.

He also alleged that mattresses supplied during relief operations were of extremely poor quality and claimed that authorities failed to provide timely warnings to several vulnerable communities.

Gogoi demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged mining activities and the role of the three political leaders, urging the state government to take action against anyone found responsible.

–IANS

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