Guwahati: Union Minister of State for Defence Bijoy Krishna Handique today (July 12, 2004) said the Centre has released Rs 181 crore under three different heads to tackle the unprecedented flood situation in Assam.

Addressing a joint press conference with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the Lokopriyo Gopinath International Airport after an aerial survey of three flood-affected districts, Handique said that the amount released today will tackle the immediate needs of the flood affected people.

The Centre has released Rs 54 crore under Calamity Relief Fund, Rs 46 crore under National Calamity Contingency Fund and Rs 81 crore by the Union Water Resource ministry, he said.

The Union Minister lauded the role of the army in providing in rescuing the marooned people and providing relief to the affected people.

He said that the army has been asked to set up more medical camps in the affected districts to provide immediate medical help and prevent the outbreak of diseases.

The Chief Minister said that the floods in Lower Assam was due to a seepage in the reservoir of Kurisho Hydel Project and not because of a breach as reported earlier.

Gogoi said that the Centre has been urged to approach Royal Bhutan Government to control the seepage.

The Union Minister and Chief minister made an aerial visit of Darrang, Nalbari and Barpeta together before addressing a brief press conference at the airport.