He welcomed suggestions like non-conversion of schoolsinto relief camps for flood-hit people during the forthcomingmonsoon as students have already missed classes due to thelockdown.
He also appreciated suggestions like the closure ofrural roads in bordering districts often taken by people ofother states to sneak into Assam and testing of policepersonnel engaged in frontline work.
Sonowal thanked the participants for their suggestionswhich he said would help the state government chart its futurecourse of action.
Terming the media as conscience keepers and opinionmoulders of the society, Sonowal said the media'sconscientious decisions will determine the direction thesociety will take.
He appreciated the role played by the media during thelockdown by disseminating correct information and generatingawareness, besides acting as a bridge between the governmentand the people.
Sonowal, however, called on the media outlets toexercise utmost restraint while reporting about theadministrative machinery engaged in the fight against COVID-19as incorrect news could de-motivate frontline workers.
Noting that he had travelled to the districts tomotive the officials, Sonowal said that constantly reviewingthe preparedness helped in ironing out several issues faced bydifferent district administrations.
Due to high work ethics and a planned approach, Assamperformed considerably well in containing COVID-19. The rolesplayed by health, food and civil supplies, police, publichealth engineering, power and transport departments during thecrisis must be appreciated, he said.
Sonowal said a guarded approach has been taken toallow certain economic activities to bring the state's economyback on track after COVID-19 is contained. ESBACD ACD