1 week ago
Akhil Gogoi Alleges Mining Syndicate Worsened Assam Floods
Akhil Gogoi says illegal stone mining may have made Assam’s floods worse.
He says some barriers beside the Dikhow river were damaged or removed.
Gogoi claims five temporary dams built near mining sites were also damaged during the monsoon.
He says this allowed water to rise quickly and reach nearby areas.
He used drones to examine places that he believes were dangerous.
Gogoi disagrees with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s explanation that a cloudburst caused the flooding.
He wants the government to investigate the alleged mining activities and the people he named.
He also says some flood victims did not receive enough or good-quality relief supplies.
These claims were presented by Gogoi and were not independently established in the article.
Assam opposition leader Akhil Gogoi alleged that illegal mining and damaged river-protection structures worsened flooding along the Dikhow river.
Gogoi accused Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain and MLAs Dharmeswar Konwar and Mayur Borgohain of involvement in an alleged mining syndicate.
He also linked the allegations to Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and held Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responsible for the situation.
Gogoi disputed Sarma’s claim that a cloudburst caused the floods, saying the India Meteorological Department had ruled out a cloudburst.
He demanded an inquiry and alleged shortcomings in relief distribution, including inadequate supplies, poor-quality mattresses and insufficient warnings.
- Who
- Akhil Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the state officials and legislators named by Gogoi.
- What
- Gogoi alleged that illegal mining and damage to river-protection structures contributed to severe flooding, and demanded an inquiry.
- Where
- Along the Dikhow river and in affected areas of Assam, including the Sivasagar region.
- When
- Gogoi made the allegations on Saturday, following the recent floods.
- Why
- Gogoi said mining activity, damaged protective structures and inadequate flood preparations worsened the disaster.
Gogoi’s Allegations
Government Flood Explanation
Cause of the flooding
Gogoi’s Allegations
Gogoi said illegal mining and damaged or removed river-protection structures caused or aggravated the rapid rise in water levels.
Government Flood Explanation
Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed the flooding to a cloudburst, according to Gogoi’s account of the government’s position.
Role of mining and political figures
Gogoi’s Allegations
Gogoi alleged that Susanta Borgohain, Dharmeswar Konwar and Mayur Borgohain were part of a mining syndicate, and linked the issue to Jayanta Malla Baruah’s ministerial portfolios.
Government Flood Explanation
The article provides no response from the named ministers, legislators or the Assam government to these allegations.
Relief and warnings
Gogoi’s Allegations
Gogoi alleged that relief supplies were insufficient or poor quality and that several vulnerable communities did not receive timely warnings.
Government Flood Explanation
The article does not include the administration’s response to these claims.
Key facts
- Accuser
- Akhil Gogoi, opposition leader in Assam and Sivasagar MLA
- River involved
- Dikhow river
- Alleged activity
- Illegal stone mining and an alleged political syndicate
- Structures cited
- Five coffer dams and protective stone embankments
- Government explanation disputed
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim that a cloudburst caused the flooding
- Investigation sought
- A comprehensive inquiry into mining activities and the role of the named political leaders
- Relief concerns
- Gogoi alleged that about 10% of required relief material reached residents and that some rice and mattresses were unsuitable
Sources
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