Cabinet Minister Keshab Mahanta and Sushanta Borgohain reviewing flood situation in Gohpur (Photo: Keshab Mahanta/X)

Guwahati, June 30: Following a visit to Dhemaji to evaluate the flood conditions, Assam's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, along with Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain, toured Gohpur on Tuesday to assess the damage caused by the initial wave of annual floods and to oversee mitigation efforts.

Accompanied by local MLA Utpal Borah and officials from the district administration and Water Resources Department, the ministers examined areas along the Chakrang River, which often floods parts of Gohpur town and surrounding neighborhoods during the monsoon season.

After their inspection, Mahanta noted that the Chakrang River, which carries floodwaters from Arunachal Pradesh, flows through Gohpur town, leading to recurrent flooding in various parts of the town and several villages within the Helem Revenue Circle.

The team focused on the bridge area of the Chakrang River between Dhenudhara and Middle Chakrang, instructing officials to initiate the construction of a protective wall along vulnerable sections to mitigate erosion and flooding risks.

Additionally, the ministers visited the embankment at Middle Chakrang in Ward No. 7 and the Kukurjan River banks in Ward No. 4, where they urged officials to implement urgent protective measures.

Mahanta emphasized the ongoing nature of the flooding issue, mentioning that while some sections of a guard wall have been built along the Chakrang River, approximately one kilometer of work remains unfinished.

"We have been closely monitoring the persistent flooding issues in Gohpur due to the Chakrang River. Although a guard wall has been constructed, there is still one kilometer of work pending. This will be prioritized by our Water Resources Minister," he stated.

He also pointed out that the concentration of settlements along the riverbanks has limited the scope for protective measures and directed officials to carry out the remaining work in phases to reduce flooding in residential areas.

Borgohain mentioned that the government is developing specific flood mitigation strategies tailored for Gohpur.

"We are evaluating the necessary measures to address the flood situation in Gohpur. Our goal is to implement solutions that are appropriate for the area and beneficial for the local community," he remarked.

In a separate social media update, Borgohain reassured residents that the government would take essential actions to tackle flooding and erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River in Dipora, Gohpur, and provide support to affected families.

Earlier that day, the ministers held a review meeting with district officials to discuss flood management, erosion control, and mitigation strategies before heading out for field inspections.

The ministers during a review meeting with district officials on Gohpur floods (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)

The visit to Gohpur followed the ministers' earlier inspection of flood-affected Dhemaji district on Monday, where they evaluated relief efforts and assessed the damage inflicted by the first wave of floods impacting thousands across Upper Assam.

Assam's Chief Minister had previously instructed both ministers to remain actively involved in monitoring relief, rehabilitation, and flood-control initiatives in the most severely affected districts.