GUWAHATI: Gauhati University has constituted a multidisciplinary research team to study the causes of the July 19 floods and their downstream impact across parts of Upper Assam.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Likely to Receive Rain, Thunderstorms Over Next 24 Hours
The team will be led by Prof. B.N. Goswami, former Director of IITM, Pune, with Prof. Parag Phukon of the Department of Geological Sciences and Prof. Ratul Mahanta of the Department of Economics as members. Gauhati University Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma will serve as the coordinator.
The researchers will begin fieldwork and scientific investigations immediately, focusing on the factors that triggered the floods and their wider consequences. The team may also bring in additional experts and research groups if required.
The university said its Registrar’s Office will assist with field visits and coordinate with government departments and district administrations.
The research initiative comes after the university provided Rs 25 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and relief materials to 500 flood-affected families in Sivasagar and Charaideo. It also distributed 5,000 educational kits in affected areas.
The university has now shifted its focus from immediate relief to studying the causes and risks associated with the floods through scientific and multidisciplinary research.