AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI
For Anamika Das, a long-time resident of Kaibarta village in Naharkatia, floods are an annual reality. Each year, she faces the devastating floods caused by the Burhidihing River, often without a suitable relief centre to turn to for shelter. However, she is hopeful that her days of anxiety and fear may soon come to an end.
“Ours is a remote village where hundreds suffer every year due to devastating floods and erosion. The lack of communication makes it difficult for us to reach far-off relief centres in time. With the establishment of larger relief shelters, we can provide crucial support not only for our village but also for 10-15 nearby villages,” Anamika told Asom Barta.
A survey has identified a one bigha plot of land where a relief centre, once constructed, will accommodate around 1,500 people. This shelter will offer essential facilities, providing a safe haven for families to protect themselves and their belongings during crises. “The locals have requested proper drinking water, toilet facilities, first aid, clean and hygienic rooms, and child-friendly spaces in the centres,” she added.
For Anamika, having a designated, secure space during a crisis alleviates fear and anxiety. Beyond immediate relief, these shelters will foster community resilience, enabling neighbouring villages to come together, share resources, and support one another.
The flood relief shelter will be constructed under the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (AIRBMP). Funded by the World Bank, this initiative responds to the Government of Assam’s request for improved water resource management to promote economic growth while addressing flood and erosion risks. The Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam (FREMAA) is the Project Management Unit in collaboration with the Water Resources Department and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority as Project Implementation Units.
Virendra Mittal, PO AIRBMP, ASDMA explaining the project said, “Assam is highly vulnerable to disasters. It is the State’s responsibility to safeguard its people during such times and minimise damage. We are collaborating with experts in climate change and disaster risk reduction to help Assam build a more resilient environment, minimising disaster impacts.”
“We plan to do away with most schools as flood shelters to ensure minimal disruption to education. Additionally, we aim to implement cutting-edge technologies, including a geospatial laboratory,” he said, informing this reporter that a state-of-the-art State Emergency Operation Centre is on the cards. “It will be equipped and prepared to deal with any sort of situation. Engaging communities, a circle based quick response team has also been formed across 50 circles.”
Mittal emphasised the importance of local knowledge, stating that the community has dealt with disasters for ages. The construction of houses will reflect local needs and incorporate villagers’ input.
“Focusing on gender parity, we have established an all-women flood management committee. They will oversee the use of flood shelters during non-flood periods. We are dedicated towards creating a robust disaster management system in the State,” he told this newsletter.
In the first phase, interventions will focus on the Beki and Burhidihing river basins, covering eight districts. However, the interventions under ASDMA will be spread across 17 districts.
GD Tripathi, CEO of ASDMA, noted, “One of the important things happening is the demonstration of best possible technology available across the world such as Geo Spatial or forecasting technology and the second is complete involvement of the community. All the actions we are taking in this project are community-focused and people’s participation is given utmost importance.”
He added that five specialised task forces comprising locals have been established in each Climate Resilient Village. Including women in these task forces is a top priority to ensure that women and children’s programming takes centre stage in flood management.
“Disaster risk reduction is another key area where we are tapping into community knowledge,” Tripathi said, adding that Assam’s preparedness standards have significantly improved over time.
Dr. Jeevan B, CEO of FREMAA, said, “FREMAA is dedicated to flood and erosion management through externally funded projects. We have already completed some erosion protection work in the Beki and Burhidihing river basins. A notable achievement is the establishment of a Hydroinformatics unit, approved by the Assam Cabinet in June 2023 for the integrated water resources management where civil work will be done through the involvement of communities and nature-based solutions. The unit is improving our value for money.”
Dr. Jeevan highlighted the Government of Assam’s commitment to adopt new technologies and global best practices for improved water resource management planning and intervention in the State.
