India Approves Housing and Funds for Flood-Hit Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi from August 24 to August 26, 2026, to secure federal aid for a flood disaster that claimed nearly 100 lives and affected 1.5 lakh people. The floods damaged 8,325 metres of National Highways across seven districts.

Sarma first met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured the state of the Government of India's unequivocal support for restoration and rehabilitation. In a subsequent meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the leaders focused on restoring National Highways and implementing evidence-based planning for bridges and culverts. Sarma specifically requested a comprehensive infrastructure redesign for Jorabat to address recurring flash flooding.

In a final meeting with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the central government approved the construction of 386,507 new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and allocated approximately Rs 140 crore under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for agricultural relief. Chouhan further committed approximately Rs 5,000 crore for new housing and promised financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh per village organization for local self-help groups. The Union Minister requested a detailed assessment of damaged houses to determine further sanctions for tea garden workers and other affected residents.