A boy rows a boat through flood-ravaged Majuli in Assam on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Sept. 13: Stung by criticism from all quarters for its failure to implement flood control projects on time, Dispur is planning to change the system of awarding contracts and adopt the latest technology.

Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma dropped enough hints this afternoon to suggest a change in ways to combat floods that take a heavy toll on the state’s economy every year.

The change in the system could include executing contracts worth not less than Rs 3 crore and in packages like the ones awarded by the surface transport ministry while executing road projects.

The move, it is expected, will result in less paperwork and save time.

“We are for allotment of work to big contractors in the form of packages as is done in road projects. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi has already given his nod to the proposal and expressed concern over the delay in repair works on time,” Sarma said.

According to him, the reason for the delay could be the time spent in preparing the estimates after field visits and awarding contracts.

“The government is also contemplating using satellite images to estimate flood damage,” Sarma said.

He announced that Rs 1,160 crore was with the flood control department till this year, of which Rs 500 crore was from the externally-aided project.

“We will have to submit schemes to make use of this money,” Sarma said.

A lot of soul-searching was going on in the government after the breach in the Matmora embankment that worsened the flood situation in Dhemaji and Majuli, Sarma said.

Dispur has suspended 12 personnel of the water resources department for the breach.

Sarma dismissed the Opposition’s allegations that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had shown more concern for the flood victims in Bihar than for those in Assam — the state he represents in Rajya Sabha.

“He had discussed the flood situation in Assam with the satradhikars of Majuli for 45 minutes during his recent visit. It will be prudent for our detractors not to make comparisons with Bihar because the Northeast is getting enough funds from the Centre.”