Kaushik Rai spearheads ground-level flood response

way2barak, June 1: Amid rising waters and mounting challenges, Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Barak valley development, Kaushik Rai stepped into the heart of the crisis on Sunday, visiting multiple relief camps across Silchar and spearheading a comprehensive review meeting at the District Commissioner’s office to assess the ongoing flood situation. His visit, accompanied by MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta, showcased the Assam Government’s proactive stance in providing immediate relief and ensuring the well-being of flood-affected citizens.

With hundreds displaced by the floods seeking shelter in makeshift camps, Minister Rai’s day began with visits to several major relief centres Hiran Prabha Deb Shishu Mandir, Cosmic Complex Market, Kendriya Vidyalaya Silchar, Ram Kumar Nandi Pathsala, A.K. Chandra Law College, and Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School. Engaging directly with displaced families, he assured them of continuous support and directed the district administration to ensure timely delivery of essential materials.

The Minister extended his outreach to the Borkhola constituency, where he visited flood-impacted areas such as Raja Gobinda Chandra Higher Secondary School and Bijoypur Bar Rampur Primary School. Inmates of the relief camps were reassured of government support, both immediate and long-term. In Silchar constituency, he monitored relief operations at Monmohon Balika Vidyalaya and Niranjan Pal Institute, personally inspecting aid distribution and welfare arrangements to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

Later in the day, Minister Rai chaired a high-level review meeting in presence of MLA Udharbond Mihir Kanti Shome, Silchar MLA, Dipayan Chakraborty, DC Mridul Yadav, SP Numal Mahatta and other officials in the new conference hall of the District Commissioner’s office, where a detailed analysis of the evolving flood scenario was undertaken. Key focus areas included assessment of food grain stocks, medical preparedness, social welfare interventions, and support from tea garden associations. Schools across Cachar have been put on alert for use as temporary shelters, with five dedicated women-centric camps already functioning in Udharbond, three in Sonai, and seventeen across Silchar. Pre-emptive dispatch of relief materials to Borkhola has also been carried out.

In the worst-hit areas of Silchar Sadar, Minister Rai directed immediate deployment of medical teams to all camps to prevent any outbreak of disease. With the power supply disrupted in many parts due to flooding, APDCL reported disconnection of 154 transformers. The Minister directed restoration of electricity in all areas not submerged under water.

Food and Civil Supplies officials confirmed adequate stock of essential commodities, and instructions were issued to the Assistant Commissioner, incharge FCS department and supply inspectors to vigilantly monitor market prices to prevent any exploitation during the crisis. The Water Resources Department has been mobilized to repair damaged embankments and dykes on a war footing, while police personnel have been instructed to maintain strict security in all relief camps. The Agriculture Department has already initiated distribution of animal feed to mitigate losses among livestock owners.

Efforts to reduce urban waterlogging in Silchar’s low-lying areas are in full swing. High-capacity pumps some with 50 HP capacity—are being mobilized from Rosekandi, Haticherra, and ONGC to expedite drainage operations. At Bangla Ghat, the Water Resources Department was directed to begin immediate dewatering of stagnant zones to restore normalcy.

Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta underscored the importance of ensuring safe transport and rescue operations by deploying adequate boats equipped with trained personnel and life jackets. He also visited Betukandi dyke where arrangements for security personnel, including temporary shelters, are underway to ensure uninterrupted flood management and relief operations.

Concluding the day’s operations, District Commissioner Mridul Yadav reaffirmed the administration’s preparedness to tackle any emerging challenge. He emphasized that with inter-departmental synergy and real-time coordination, the government stands fully geared to deliver both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation, ensuring that no citizen of Silchar is left to face the crisis alone.

As the floodwaters continue to test resilience, the Assam Government’s swift, visible, and compassionate response, led by Minister Kaushik Rai, sends a strong message of solidarity and resolve, offering both relief and reassurance to the people of Silchar.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.