Centre will conduct topographical study to know reasons behind frequent flooding in Assam: Shekhawat

With Assam getting affected by floods every year, the government will conduct a topographical study of the state to understand the reasons behind the inundation, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Thursday. In an interaction with reporters late Thursday night, Shekhawat said the northeastern state was hit by a massive earthquake some 50 years ago that affected the topography, and more importantly the flow of the rivers.

Bramhaputra is a major river that flows through the state. The team will have experts from different organisations, including the Central Water Commission, the Union minister said.

The swelling of the Bramhaputra is a yearly phenomenon that inundates large parts of the state and also leads to loss of life and property. Currently, large parts of Assam have been witnessing flooding. Shekhawat said the Centre will also do aquifer mapping of 240 districts that have recorded stressed ground water level.

This, he said, will help in planning water conservation methods in a better way.