Guwahati: Come monsoon and Assam witnesses its annual flood havoc killing hundreds and displacing millions every year. During that time, most of the state’s socio-political groups also accelerate their demand of recognising the Assam flood as a ‘national calamity’ by the Centre.

 The reason for the demand to declare the Assam flood as a ‘national calamity’ to get that extra attention and funds from the Centre in dealing with the flood situation has been continuing for years and many elections were also contested on the issue.

However, for Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, such a declaration to the state flood was ‘unnecessary’. On January 21, 2023, during a press conference, he said that he did not feel the need for such a tag for the state’s perennial problem.

He said, “I am not convinced with the demand of declaring Assam flood as a national calamity. It’s very unfortunate to see such a demand. Recognition should be received for our assets and not our problems. We need to get due recognition of our forest, tea, culture and other assets but not a problem like flood.”

“Moreover, what will happen if we get the tag? The main issue is to get funds, aides, technological support, and rehabilitation schemes from the Centre and I know how to bring them. There is no need for such demand,” he added.

The chief minister even informed that he has even shared his views with the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on the matter. AASU has been demanding to declare the Assam flood a national calamity for years.

According to AASU, despite floods occurring every year, the state government has been failing to take preventive and relief works adequately.