Sivasagar flood victims protest over allegedly substandard mattresses

NAZIRA, August 25, 2026 — Strong resentment has erupted in Sivasagar district over the alleged distribution of substandard mattresses among flood-affected people under a relief initiative funded by the state Water Resources Department.

The devastating floods that hit Upper Assam on July 19 caused extensive damage in Sivasagar and several other districts, destroying homes and severely affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people. Against this backdrop, the Water Resources Department issued a tender on August 3 for the procurement of mattresses for distribution among flood victims.

According to the tender specifications, one lakh mattresses were to be procured at an estimated cost of ₹5.50 crore. Each mattress was specified to be six feet long, three feet wide and 50 mm thick, with a stipulated weight of 4 kg. The tender reportedly required the supply to be completed within 10 days.

However, after the mattresses supplied by the contractor were distributed among flood-affected people, allegations over their quality triggered protests in Sivasagar.

Residents alleged that the mattresses did not conform to the dimensions and weight specified in the tender. Some were reportedly less than five feet long, while the material was allegedly so thin and poor in quality that objects could be seen through them.

Angry flood victims took the mattresses to the streets and staged protests, demanding strict action against those responsible for the alleged lapses. The identity of the contractor who secured the tender has not been made public.

The allegations have also raised serious questions over the utilisation of public funds earmarked for flood relief. Local residents and concerned citizens have demanded a thorough investigation into the tendering and procurement process to determine whether any irregularities occurred.

The controversy comes at a time when many flood-affected families in Upper Assam are reportedly still waiting for the ₹15,000 immediate relief assistance announced by the government. The alleged distribution of substandard mattresses has further intensified public anger, with affected residents accusing the authorities of failing to provide adequate relief during a period of severe hardship.

Flood victims and members of the public have urged Water Resources Minister Sushanta Buragohain to order a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities and take stringent action against anyone found responsible.

The incident has once again raised concerns over transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds meant specifically to assist people affected by natural disasters.