Voice of India Debojit Saha’s heart goes out to the flood-hit people of Assam...

The deluge in Assam has brought about untold miseries to the people of the state and left my heart in a flood of emotions.

The rains last week were relentless, and have left behind a trail of destruction. Several villages were washed away and many precious lives were lost in the floods that followed.

As always, the devastating floods this time have brought to the fore many agonising tales of those caught in a whirlpool of sufferings.

While the swelling Brahmaputra and its tributaries submerged the entire state, I wondered why so many people have to suffer and die every year. Floods are not new to Assam. It is the most frequently occurring natural disaster to hit the state. If we had developed a proper and scientific flood control mechanism, we could have restricted the ravages to a great extent.

Instead of organising rescue and rehabilitation measures after every deluge, the administration should focus on flood control measures. From building embankments to flood resistant houses on highlands, an expert panel should prepare a thorough plan to bring succour to the people. An alert and prepared administration can provide immediate rescue measures.

As an engineer, I can say with confidence that flood control measures would be the perfect solution to bring relief to the people. Assam’s economy, which is dependent on agriculture, suffers after every flood. Farmers lose their livelihood and crops worth crores of rupees are destroyed.

As a man of music, I am planning to organise a concert to raise funds for the flood victims. To make my dream true, I want all artistes of the state to join me in my endeavour. Or if they have already thought of anything to raise funds for the victims, I will join them.

I believe the common people are also willing to help in the rehabilitation process. This is the time for political parties to put aside their ideological differences and unite to help the people in a crisis.