New Delhi, July 31, 2024 — Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha today, demanding an urgent debate on the inadequacies of flood management in Assam. His motion criticizes the Union Budget 2024 for failing to allocate sufficient funds to address the state’s chronic flooding issues.
In his motion, Gogoi expressed serious concerns over the Union Budget’s insufficient provisions for flood management. He highlighted the reduction in allocations to the Jal Shakti Ministry for flood control, from Rs 104.56 crores in 2022-23 to an estimated Rs 33.17 crores in 2024. Gogoi pointed out that Assam’s flood-prone area spans over 31.05 lakh hectares, nearly 40% of the state’s total land area, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Gogoi also criticized the lack of vocal support from the state government and BJP MPs on this issue, suggesting that Assam is being unfairly neglected. He drew a comparison to Bihar, noting that while both states have extensive flood-prone areas, Assam faces more severe impacts.
Emphasizing that effective flood management is crucial for the state’s future, Gogoi argued that adequate funding is essential for implementing flood prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation measures. He urged the Lok Sabha to prioritize this issue and press the government to address the urgent needs of Assam’s flood management infrastructure.