Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government will waive July electricity bills for domestic consumers using up to 300 units in the flood-ravaged districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo, as the state continued to battle the aftermath of the latest wave of floods that has so far claimed 82 lives.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the current flood situation has improved marginally, but seven districts — Golaghat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Bajali, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Jorhat — remain affected. A total of 1,78,837 people across 349 villages are still reeling under floodwaters, while 15,060 hectares of crop land have been damaged.
No fresh human casualty was reported during the last 24 hours, keeping the cumulative flood death toll this year at 82.
Announcing the relief measure through a post on Saturday on social media platform X, Sarma said the government would bear the cost of July electricity bills through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). “One less worry for families rebuilding after the Assam floods. Domestic consumers using up to 300 units in Sivasagar and Charaideo will not have to pay their July electricity bills, with the government bearing the cost through the CMRF,” the Chief Minister said.
The announcement comes as thousands of families in Upper Assam continue to recover from widespread inundation caused by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and overflowing rivers.
Officials said relief and rehabilitation measures are continuing in the affected districts, with the administration closely monitoring embankments, damaged infrastructure and crop losses. Assessment of damage to roads, public infrastructure and agriculture is also underway to facilitate restoration work and compensation.
The state government has intensified relief distribution and restoration efforts in the worst-hit areas, while district administrations have been directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and drinking water for affected families.
Authorities said the flood situation would continue to be monitored closely, particularly in riverine areas vulnerable to fresh spells of rainfall in the coming days.
–IANS
