Guwahati: The Centre is preparing to support Assam’s rehabilitation efforts in areas hit by the recent devastating floods, with several Union ministries already working on measures to restore infrastructure and basic services, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
Sonowal said the Central Government would extend all possible assistance to the Assam government for the rehabilitation of people affected by the floods in three districts. He indicated that different ministries have already started assessing requirements and taking steps within their respective areas of responsibility.
The Ministry of Panchayat and Rural Development has initiated work aimed at restoring and improving rural infrastructure in the affected areas, including roads. Authorities are also examining the possibility of constructing additional houses in the flood-hit areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti is assessing the feasibility of restoring and providing drinking water facilities in affected communities through the Jal Jeevan Mission. At the same time, the Ministry of Surface Transport is reviewing requirements for repairing damaged roads and carrying out new construction wherever necessary.
Sonowal said the concerned ministries have already begun taking necessary measures to address the rehabilitation requirements of the flood-affected areas.
The Union Minister also outlined plans for strengthening opportunities in the maritime sector. He said work on establishing a Maritime Skill Development Centre has already commenced, with the proposed facility expected to train around 5,000 students annually.
On employment prospects for the trainees, Sonowal said the maritime industry has considerable potential to generate jobs. He noted that India currently has the second-largest number of seafarers in the world after the Philippines and said the country has the potential to become the global leader in this field.
Sonowal further said his ministry plans to develop new jetties along 20 National Waterways in the Northeast. Plans are also being prepared to construct jetties at major water bodies across the region to promote tourism and improve water-based connectivity.
The expansion of the National Waterways network is significant for the Northeast, which previously had only two such waterways. The number has now increased to 20, potentially creating new opportunities for inland water transport, tourism and economic development across the region.
