Silchar, March 4 — Claiming a major overhaul of the state’s flood-defence system, Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika said on Wednesday that the government has transformed embankment construction and flood-control infrastructure across the state over the past five years, building nearly 1,000 kilometres of new embankments. He made the remarks during a visit to Silchar to review preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on March 14.
Hazarika told reporters that when the current administration took office several stretches were either poorly protected or entirely unprotected, and that the recent work marks a significant shift in the state’s flood-management strategy. “In five years, we have constructed nearly 1,000 kilometres of new embankments. This marks a significant shift in our flood management strategy,” he said, attributing the change to improved planning, technology and execution.
Drawing a comparison with the previous Indian National Congress government, Hazarika said embankment works in earlier years were slower and spread over decades. “We have delivered in five years what previously took much longer. The difference lies in planning, technology and execution,” he remarked. The minister emphasised that faster project delivery and focused implementation underpin the administration’s claims.
Hazarika highlighted technological interventions now in use, including geo-tube and mega geo-tube systems to reinforce embankments before laying soil. Geo-tubes are large geotextile containers filled with sand or sediment that provide structural support and reduce erosion, he explained, saying these methods make the new embankments “far stronger and scientifically designed” and less prone to breaches.
At the same time, he acknowledged the need to strengthen older embankments built decades ago and said the government will prioritise reinforcing ageing structures using advanced techniques over the next five years. “There has been visible change on the ground, but we are committed to making Assam’s flood management system more resilient. Strengthening old embankments and ensuring long-term environmental stability will remain our focus,” he added.
Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha and Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty accompanied Hazarika during the visit.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/nearly-1000-km-of-embankments-built-in-five-years-across-state-pijush-hazarika-1609049
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Publish Date: 2026-03-04 15:37:00
