No one has taken Assam floods seriously: Adil Hussain
Assam is in a crisis as it is being ravaged by floods. An annual phenomenon, floods have claimed lives, crops, property in the state time and again. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority’s reports on July 19, 84 people have lost their lives and 2,400 villages were devastated, taking the tally of total people affected to 25,29,312.
Actor Adil Hussain, who is from Assam, says, “I don’t think anyone has taken it (the situation) seriously. All the governments since Independence... The flood happens every year, at the same time, and the volume of water is almost the same. Even after that if we say we do not have a solution, I feel we are either lying or not trying hard.”
Hussain, 56, hails from Goalpara, and his mother still lives there. Despite being in a high-lying area, their house faces the threat of rising flood waters. “My family is still in a better position, but imagine the situation of the poor people and animals,” the English Vinglish (2012) and Delhi Crime actor shares, talking from his home in Delhi. But people’s resilience is what sees them through. “People have learned how to live with extreme difficulties,” he adds.
A lack of awareness about the North East and a “chalta hai” outlook are what Hussain feels contribute to apathy. “During floods, the animals from Kaziranga National Park cross over to higher lands, and in between is the national highway (NH 37). How can you build a national highway there?” he rues.
The floods this time were put on the global map, thanks to tweets by international football clubs Arsenal and Chelsea. Some Bollywood stars, too, voiced concern. “Randeep (Hooda) is in touch, trying to find out how the river behaves, and is talking to people. Richa Chadha and Rahul Dev are helping. Some directors have also come forward,” he says, adding, “It is about creating awareness. I don’t know how the posts by Arsenal and Chelsea will pan out in the long run, but it is on the world map now. It is wonderful to hear from people who can create public opinion about an issue which has existed for 70 years. You expect certain people to speak, so I was disappointed when it didn’t happen.”