JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal has made a significant contribution of ₹5 crore to the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF), an act of generosity that came to light only after the state government reviewed its bank statements.
CM Praises 'Silent Act of Compassion'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news on Thursday, describing Jindal's donation as a "silent act of compassion." Sarma emphasized that there was no prior intimation or public announcement from Jindal or his team regarding the contribution, which was discovered during a routine review of the CMRF's financial records.
The Chief Minister expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of the people of Assam, acknowledging Jindal's humility and magnanimity. He also highlighted a personal connection, noting that Sajjan Jindal's mother, Savitri Jindal, who is the Chairperson Emeritus of the OP Jindal Group, hails from Assam.
Sarma assured the public that every rupee received in the CMRF would be spent with "utmost prudence and diligence" to benefit those affected by the ongoing flood crisis.
Assam's Flood Situation Remains Grim
The donation arrives as Assam continues to battle a severe flood situation that has persisted for over two weeks. While water levels have receded in some areas, the devastation remains extensive. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the death toll from the floods has reached 78, with three new fatalities reported in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts.
More than 3 lakh people across the state remain affected, with Charaideo being the worst-hit district, followed by Sivasagar and Jorhat. Over 16,500 displaced individuals are currently housed in 71 relief camps, while another 72,000 are receiving assistance from 30 relief distribution centers.
The floods have caused widespread damage, submerging over 21,500 hectares of cropland, washing away more than 11,000 animals, and impacting public infrastructure including embankments, roads, schools, and homes.
Central Support and Weather Outlook
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has twice spoken with CM Sarma in the past week to assess the flood situation, assuring Assam of all possible central assistance for relief and restoration efforts.
Despite some improvement in the overall flood situation due to reduced rainfall after July 21, Chief Minister Sarma noted that the scale of destruction is immense. Many residents are unable to return home due to damaged or mud-filled houses, and access to some areas remains challenging because of debris from Nagaland's hills blocking roads.
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in isolated areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland from July 30 to August 1. Districts like Tinsukia, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur in Assam are particularly at risk.