Fears of weak monsoon in Dispur ranks

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

''Generally during this time, the state used to reel under flood waters. But this year, it is different. 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, flood-control measures have been kept ready at all the divisions for immediate action if required.

The minister said the first spell of flood has mostly affected the Barak Valley in southern 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 are 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 2779 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 6285 hectares of cropland.

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

UNI