NTPC Bongaigaon Flags Off Three Boat Ambulances under CSR to Strengthen Healthcare Services in Flood-Prone Riverine Areas of Kokrajhar

Kokrajhar/Bongaigaon: In a unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving healthcare accessibility in flood-prone and remote riverine regions, NTPC Bongaigaon flagged off three boat ambulances to serve the char and riverine villages of Kokrajhar district bordering Dhubri district. The initiative seeks to address the persistent healthcare challenges faced by communities that remain cut off during annual floods and adverse weather conditions.

The boat ambulances were formally inaugurated and flagged off by Shri Derhasat Basumatary, Executive Member for Health & Family Welfare, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and MCLA of the Salakati Constituency,  in the presence of  Smt. Moon Moon Brahma, Executive Member, Urban Development, BTC and MCLA, Parbatjhora Constituency,  Shri Nilu Brahma, Director of Health Services, BTC, and Smt. Moon Moon Brahma, Executive Member for Urban Development, BTC and MCLA, Parbatjhora Constituency, officials of NTPC Bongaigaon, representatives of the District Health Department, healthcare personnel, and members of the local community.

Implemented under NTPC Bongaigaon’s CSR programme in collaboration with the BTC Government and the Directorate of Health Services, BTC, the project ensures uninterrupted healthcare services for the vulnerable populations residing in the riverine belts of Khutabagra and adjoining areas. The three boat ambulances, supported through an investment of ₹20 lakh, are equipped with essential medicines and emergency medical facilities. They will be manned by trained healthcare personnel, including medical staff and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), enabling them to deliver primary healthcare services and emergency response directly to the doorsteps of the affected communities bordering Kokrajhar

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Derhasat Basumatary appreciated NTPC Bongaigaon for conceptualising and implementing an innovative intervention that addresses one of the most critical challenges faced by people living in the flood-prone riverine areas. He observed that the initiative would significantly enhance access to healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, children, elderly persons, and emergency patients during periods when conventional transportation becomes inaccessible.

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Moon Moon Brahma emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between public institutions and corporate entities in improving the quality of life in rural and riverine communities. She lauded NTPC Bongaigaon’s sustained commitment towards community welfare and social development in the Bodoland Territorial Region.

Shri Nilu Brahma, Director, Health Services, BTC, highlighted that the boat ambulances would function as mobile healthcare units, carrying medicines, medical equipment, and trained health workers to remote villages. He noted that the initiative would strengthen the public health delivery system and improve outreach activities, including immunisation, maternal healthcare, and treatment of common ailments in difficult-to-access locations.

Officials of NTPC Bongaigaon reiterated that healthcare remains one of the company’s major CSR focus areas and that the project reflects its commitment to ensuring that no community remains deprived of essential services due to geographical constraints. They further stated that the boat ambulances would serve as a critical lifeline during floods, facilitating emergency medical transportation as well as routine healthcare delivery throughout the year.

Over the years, NTPC Bongaigaon has undertaken several impactful healthcare initiatives under its CSR programme, including cancer screening projects, medical infrastructure development, health camps, and support to healthcare institutions. The launch of the three boat ambulances marks yet another milestone in its endeavour to create sustainable social impact and improve the quality of life of people residing in some of the most remote and vulnerable regions of the Bodoland Territorial Region.