Sivasagar Flood Victims’ Committee Submits 11-Point Memorandum, Seeks ₹10 Lakh Compensation

NAZIRA, October 28, 2026 — The Upper Assam Flood Problem Permanent Solution Demand Committee on Tuesday submitted an 11-point memorandum to the Assam Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar, demanding a permanent solution to the recurring flood crisis and adequate compensation for affected families.

The delegation included committee advisory members Jog Gogoi, Dilip Phukan and Bhaskar Borgohain, along with convenors Hemanta Pegu, Pankaj Bora and Bimal Pande.

In its memorandum, the committee recalled the devastating floods of July 19 that severely disrupted normal life in Sivasagar, Jorhat and Charaideo districts. It claimed that the disaster killed 115 people, destroyed thousands of houses, killed livestock and devastated the livelihoods of thousands of poor families. Roads, bridges, embankments and educational institutions also suffered extensive damage.

Alleging that the government’s response had been inadequate and poorly planned, the committee expressed concern over irregularities in the distribution of the one-time assistance of ₹15,000 announced for affected families. It claimed that many genuine victims had yet to receive the assistance.

The committee demanded an immediate one-time compensation of at least ₹10 lakh for every flood-ravaged family, based on a proper assessment of actual losses and without unnecessary documentation hurdles.

It also called for scientific dredging of the Dikhow River to increase its water-carrying capacity and the construction of embankments along both banks. However, it stressed that the permanent and humane rehabilitation of people living in vulnerable riverbank areas must receive priority.

The memorandum further sought the formation of a high-level expert committee to investigate allegations that illegal mining had contributed to the floods and recommend long-term preventive measures.

Among its other demands, the committee called for transparent, corruption-free distribution of relief and assistance to affected public institutions, including schools and colleges. It suggested forming an all-party committee, if necessary, to monitor the process.

The committee also sought adequate compensation for crop losses, livestock, damaged business establishments and students’ books. It demanded free admission and waiver of fees for students affected by the floods, along with employment opportunities for unemployed youth from washed-away villages.

Other demands included the waiver of loans taken by affected people, provision of fresh credit and comprehensive assistance to farmers to resume cultivation. It also called for monitoring rivers originating in neighbouring hill states, an effective flood-warning system and the establishment of a common River Authority for the Northeast to safeguard the region’s ecological balance.

The committee urged the government to conduct a scientific assessment of the actual causes of flooding and implement the recommendations of expert bodies. It also called for alternative livelihood opportunities for poor families dependent on stone and sand mining, alongside proper rehabilitation of displaced and vulnerable communities.

Warning of a vigorous democratic movement if the government failed to address its demands promptly, the committee urged the authorities to take immediate action towards a lasting solution to Upper Assam’s recurring flood crisis.