Guwahati, Aug 6 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday directed the state police to launch a statewide crackdown on unauthorised flood relief collection drives on public roads, warning that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or organisations collecting money in the name of flood victims without permission.

The Chief Minister said no person or group would be allowed to solicit donations by stopping vehicles on roads, carrying donation boxes or displaying QR codes at traffic intersections and other public places.

Addressing reporters, Sarma said the practice of collecting money from commuters in the name of flood relief would not be tolerated, adding that such activities create inconvenience for the public and raise concerns over the transparency of the collected funds.

“Nobody will be allowed to collect money on public roads in the name of flood relief. Strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in such unauthorised fundraising activities,” Sarma said.

He stated that clear instructions have already been issued to the Assam Police to immediately stop such collection drives wherever they are noticed across the state.

According to him, individuals standing on roadsides with donation boxes or seeking contributions through QR codes from motorists and pedestrians will face legal consequences.

The directive comes amid reports that several individuals and groups have been collecting money at road junctions and busy public locations, claiming the funds would be used for flood relief and rehabilitation.

The state government has urged citizens to remain cautious while making donations and contribute only through authorised government channels or recognised organisations to ensure that financial assistance reaches genuine flood-affected families.

Assam has witnessed widespread flooding in recent weeks following heavy rainfall across the state and upstream catchment areas, affecting lakhs of people in multiple districts. Relief and rehabilitation operations are currently underway with support from the state administration, disaster response agencies and various organisations.

The Chief Minister reiterated that while public support for flood victims is welcome, fundraising activities must remain transparent, accountable and within the framework of the law to prevent misuse in the name of humanitarian assistance.

–IANS

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