GUWAHATI | The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has announced a statewide mass awareness campaign against coal, stone and sand syndicates, alleging that unregulated activities linked to these syndicates contributed to the recent floods in the state.

The decision was taken at an APCC meeting chaired by party president Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday, August 16. The meeting reviewed the party’s organisational preparedness for upcoming elections, including the Lok Sabha by-election, autonomous council polls and municipal elections.

According to the APCC, coal, stone and sand syndicates were among the “primary drivers” of the recent flood-related devastation in Upper Assam. The party said it would mobilise public opinion and launch a sustained campaign against such activities. The meeting also reviewed relief and rehabilitation work undertaken by district Congress committees and party organisations, including the Seva Dal, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress and NSUI, in flood-affected areas.

Congress workers have been involved in rebuilding damaged houses, cleaning schools and public and religious institutions, and undertaking shramdaan to help schools resume classes. Party workers have also assisted farmers by providing paddy seedlings and helping with transplantation.

The APCC adopted resolutions opposing the proposed reduction of the eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park from 10 km to 1 km. It also opposed the proposed acquisition of indigenous land at Engleng Pathar for handing it over to large corporate entities.

The party said it would launch a broader mass movement against what it termed “anti-people policies” and seek greater public participation in the campaign. The meeting also discussed zonal training programmes for Pradesh Congress workers, the appointment of RSS-affiliated individuals as vice-chancellors in Assam and other universities, and alleged ideological considerations in the appointment of college principals.

Congress leaders also raised concerns over growing dissatisfaction among Gen-Z with aspects of the education system and approved a proposal to organise a state-level youth convention.Separately, the APCC’s social media department held a meeting as part of the party’s wider organisational review.