Guwahati floods: CM Sarma reviews situation, focuses on strengthening rivulet system

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today reviewed the flood scenario in the Guwahati city following intermittent spells of heavy rainfall resulting in several parts of the city facing severe water logging.
During a meeting with officials of the concerned departments, Chief Minister Sarma discussed ways to mitigate the problem. Among the core issues discussed in the meeting was about strengthening the rivulet system around the city as a part of the efforts to get rid of flash floods.
The officials also presented data pertaining to rainfall, satellite imageries as well as other aspects to the Chief Minister.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Sarma informed, “We will strengthen the rivulet system around the city, which shall help mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall in short duration.”

The Basistha, Bahini, Bharalu, Mora Bharalu, Lakhminijan channel, Bondajan channel are flowing through most part of Guwahati and serving as natural drains of the city.
The Chief Minister’s Office said, “HCM Dr @himantabiswa chaired a meeting regarding recent instances of flooding in Guwahati.
Numerous data points such as rainfall, satellite imageries & other contributing factors were presented to HCM. HCM has directed officials to implement various mitigation measures.”

Different parts of the city are still waterlogged since Thursday night. The situation was grim in several parts of the city Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Zoo Road, Rajgarh Area, Rukminigaon, Narengi IOCL, Ulubari, Gandhi Basti, Borbari, Hatigaon, and RG Baruah Road.

SDRF boats were seen out on the flooded streets of Guwahati ferrying people.

The situation was such that the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration had to issue a helpline number to help those stranded due to the floods. Examinations were postponed as schools and colleges had to be shut owing to the situation.

Experts have blamed rapid urbanization, poor town planning, clogged city drains, depletion of forest and tree cover, and encroachment across the city’s hills to be the main factors behind flash floods in the city.

Read also: While floods in Guwahati leaves people homeless, Min Ashok Singhal says situation way better then earlier