Why Shivraj Singh Chouhan is visiting Assam and Arunachal as flood crisis deepens

Guwahati: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is on a two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the impact of severe flooding and review ongoing relief operations.

The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive for an immediate on-ground assessment as weeks of heavy monsoon rainfall continue to affect large parts of the Northeast.

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Prime Minister took serious note of the flood situation and asked Chouhan to visit the affected states to evaluate the damage firsthand and coordinate with local authorities.

High-level meetings and field inspections planned

On June 30, Chouhan is scheduled to chair a high-level review meeting with senior officials in Guwahati. The discussions will focus on the extent of damage to crops, villages and public infrastructure, as well as the progress of rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

On July 1, the minister will travel to Arunachal Pradesh, where he will conduct aerial and ground surveys of flood- and landslide-hit areas to assess the scale of destruction and identify immediate requirements for recovery.

Arunachal among the worst-hit states

Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed widespread devastation during this year's monsoon. Floods and landslides have affected at least 12 districts, impacting more than 70,000 people and claiming at least eight lives. A flash flood in Possa village of Keyi Panyor district killed at least three people, while search operations have continued for those reported missing.

The Border Roads Organisation restored the crucial Kimin–Potin road within 36 hours, helping reconnect affected areas and facilitate the movement of relief supplies.

Flooding continues in Assam

In Assam, floodwaters have continued to affect several districts as rivers remain swollen following persistent rainfall. Areas in Dhemaji district have experienced inundation due to rising water levels in the Gai River, with state authorities continuing rescue, relief and monitoring operations.

The visit comes as the India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall across the Northeast, raising concerns that the flood situation could worsen in the coming days.

Focus on relief and long-term recovery

Apart from reviewing immediate relief efforts, Chouhan is expected to assess the impact of the floods on agriculture and rural livelihoods. The findings from the visit are likely to help the Centre and state governments plan additional assistance, rehabilitation measures and infrastructure restoration for the affected regions.

The visit underscores the Centre's efforts to closely monitor the evolving flood situation and ensure that relief reaches affected communities as quickly as possible.