The Assam government has significantly expanded its flood-control infrastructure by constructing around 1,000 kilometres of new embankments across the state since May 2021, officials from the Water Resources Department said. The move is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of annual floods in a state where more than 40 per cent of the geographical area is considered flood-prone.
According to official data, the government has also raised and strengthened nearly 540 km of existing embankments to improve their resilience. In addition, 280 anti-erosion schemes covering roughly 320 km have been completed, along with the construction of 43 sluice gates to enhance water management.
The department said a total of 862 flood and erosion management schemes have been taken up over the past five years at an estimated cost of ₹28,117 crore. Authorities have also formed Embankment Monitoring Committees involving district administrations and local communities to ensure better maintenance and surveillance of critical flood-control structures.
To modernise flood management, the state has set up a Hydro-Informatics Unit aimed at improving flood forecasting, modelling and real-time monitoring. Efforts are also underway to digitise departmental processes for faster response and coordination.
Officials noted that Assam did not experience major flooding last year due to relatively lower rainfall but expressed confidence that the strengthened infrastructure and technology-driven measures will help reduce flood damage in the coming monsoon seasons.
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