Fears of weak monsoon in Dispur raises concern

Guwahati, Jun 26 (UNI) Even as a population of over 2.65 lakh have been affected by the first spell of floods in Asom this year, absence of rainfall in the Brahmaputra valley since the last two days has raised fears of weak monsoons for yet another year in the state.

''Generally during this time, the state reeled under flood conditions. Latest reports say all the rivers in the state are receding,'' said Asom Water Resources Minister Bharat Narah.

Sounding confident of the preparations made by the department in the eventuality of floods, Mr Narah said RCC porpupines, sacks and other flood control measures have been kept ready at all the divisions for immediate control measures if the need be.

The minister said the first spell of floods had mostly affected the Barak Valley in south Asom, with reports indicating that as many as seven embankments have been breached so far by the flood waters.

''Other minor breaches in Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Sonitpur have been repaired,'' he added, pointing out that there are indications of yet another year of weak monsoons.

As many as 10 lakh rural families in 22 districts were severely hit by a drought-like situation last year in Asom Meanwhile, an official bulletin of the Central Water Commission said the water level of all the rivers of the state were flowing below danger level, except for the Brahmaputra at Dibrugarh and Neamatighat, Jia Bharali at Sonitpur and Kushiyara at Karimganj.

No fresh report of any damage have been received.

As many as 124 villages with a population of over 30,000 and cropland of nearly 2,779 hectares have been affected in Morigaon district alone, where the water level of all the rivers were stated to be rising.

Altogether 364 villages in seven districts have been affected by the first spell of floods so far, and the flood waters have damaged 6,285 hectares of cropland.

The government has opened 25 relief camps, besides distributing gratuitous relief.

UNI