Sonia promises masterplan

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Monday made an aerial survey of five flood-hit districts of Assam and assured financial assistance from the Centre to provide relief and rehabilitation. She said a masterplan would soon be chalked out and implemented to solve the recurring flood problem of Assam.

Soon after her arrival in a special aircraft, Sonia headed for Dhubri and Morigaon 8212; two of the worst-affected districts. About 90 per cent of Morigaon had been submerged for three days last week. Later, she made an aerial survey of the situation in Kamrup, Barpeta and Goalpara.

However, the UPA chairman stayed away from mediapersons, and AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh made the announcements on her behalf. While a sum of Rs 20 lakh will be donated to the flood-affected people of the state by the AICC, the Centre would extend all possible help to the state to rehabilitate the thousands rendered homeless.