BJP puts flood control at centre of promises

Guwahati: Flood and erosion, the recurring challenges facing several places across Assam, emerged as one of the major flashpoints of BJP’s poll campaigns.BJP has said flood and erosion relief will remain among its highest priorities. water resources minister Pijush Hazarika said govt is shifting its focus from temporary flood-control measures to a permanent solution to the state’s recurring flood crisis. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters here on Saturday, Hazarika said, “Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi and the visionary leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, flood management has been elevated as a core mission of governance. A monumental investment exceeding Rs 18,000 crore has been earmarked for the ‘Flood-Free Assam Mission’ over the next five years, underpinned by a comprehensive, long-term strategic framework.”With the flood season nearing, voters in several districts are expected to weigh the govt’s response to the annual devastation caused by monsoon floods. In many areas, overflowing rivers breach embankments and inundate residential localities.