Staff Reporter, Guwahati: In a somber development following the devastating landslide at Daimuguri, Chapaidang in Guwahati, Assam, which claimed the lives of three members of a single family, the state government has announced a one-time ex-gratia financial assistance package to support the grieving relatives. Mayor Mrigen Sarania, accompanied by local MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya and Member of Parliament Bijuli Kalita Medhi, personally visited the affected family at Bamunimaidam Railway Colony on Sunday. During the visit, they handed over financial aid amounting to Rs 4 lakh each in the names of the deceased — Poonam Goswami, her daughter Neelakshi Goswami, and niece Ranjita Boro — totaling Rs 12 lakh. Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Mayor Sarania affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting other victims of similar tragedies. He announced that identical financial assistance would also be extended to the families of Trinmoy Das of Datthalpara and Rabin Boro from Jalukbari, who lost their lives in separate landslide incidents triggered by recent heavy rainfall. Turning his attention to the broader issue of flood and landslide preparedness, Mayor Sarania urged residents living in vulnerable hillside areas to relocate temporarily during periods of intense rain. “We are entering the second phase of our flood management plan, and precaution is key to preventing further loss of life,” he stated. To bolster emergency response, sixty dedicated teams, largely composed of local youths, have been formed to serve across the city’s wards. These teams are actively involved in assisting affected residents and conducting crucial preventive measures such as extensive drain-cleaning drives to minimize flooding risk. Addressing a recent controversy surrounding the recovery of a deceased person in Rukmini Gaon, the Mayor condemned what he described as the political dramatization of rescue efforts. “Rescue boats and vehicles were available on-site, but some individuals ignored them and instead used the tragedy for political mileage,” he remarked. An official inquiry has been launched to investigate the incident and ensure accountability in emergency operations. As Assam continues to grapple with the monsoon's impact, city officials have called for unity and caution, emphasizing proactive preparedness and timely response as the keys to minimizing further disasters.
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