Guwahati: Despite a pledge made by the Central Government over two decades ago to treat Assam's perennial flood and erosion challenges as a national problem, the commitment remains largely unaddressed, according to the All Assam Students' Union (AASU). The prominent student body asserts that the promise, intended to bring a permanent solution, has yet to translate into concrete action on the ground.
The assurance dates back to May 5, 2005, when then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired a tripartite meeting in Guwahati. This significant gathering involved representatives from the Central Government, the State Government, and the AASU, primarily to review the implementation of the historic Assam Accord. During this meeting, Dr. Singh specifically promised that flood and erosion in Assam would be designated as national problems, a commitment that was subsequently publicized through government advertisements.
However, leaders of the student body contend that despite this high-level assurance, no substantive steps have been taken by the Centre to provide a lasting resolution. The president of the AASU highlighted that the Central Government should have initiated scientific research into the complex issues of flooding and erosion, alongside allocating substantial funds for mitigation efforts. Instead, the problems persist, causing immense suffering and economic losses across the state each year.
The AASU further emphasized that the scale of the crisis extends beyond the capacity of the State Government alone. A coordinated, comprehensive approach involving significant central intervention, including robust funding and expert scientific input, is deemed essential. Furthermore, a collaborative effort among all states in the region is seen as crucial for tackling the trans-boundary nature of these environmental challenges effectively.
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