Guwahati flood situation worse than last year due to heavy rainfall: Chief Secretary
Guwahati, April 22
Assam Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota on Wednesday said that Guwahati is witnessing a more severe flood situation this year compared to previous years due to significantly higher rainfall, stressing the need for better preventive measures and coordinated response.
Addressing the media, the Chief Secretary stated that the volume of rainfall recorded this season has surpassed last year's levels, leading to widespread waterlogging across several parts of the city and disrupting normal life.
He noted that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact.
Dr Kota informed that a high-level meeting was held with the Commissioner of Police (CP) and officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to review preparedness and response strategies. The meeting focused on improving drainage systems and ensuring quicker clearance of floodwater.
Highlighting one of the major causes of urban flooding, he emphasized the role of plastic waste clogging drains. "Plastic waste dumped in drains must be cleared before the onset of heavy rainfall. This is a recurring issue that significantly contributes to waterlogging," he said, urging both authorities and citizens to act responsibly.
The Chief Secretary also pointed out that areas such as Basistha, Beltola, and stretches receiving water inflow from Burnihat and Jorabat require alternative planning and long-term solutions to manage excess water.
He stressed the importance of adopting innovative approaches to address the recurring flooding problem in these vulnerable zones.
Expressing concern over a recent incident in Maligaon locality of the city where a woman lost he life due to a flash flood, Dr Kota conveyed his condolences and assured that the government will conduct a thorough investigation at the earliest.
He reiterated the administration's commitment to ensuring accountability and preventing such incidents in the future.
The senior official argued that the state administration continues to remain on alert as heavy rainfall persists, with authorities working round the clock to manage the situation and minimize inconvenience to residents.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The plastic waste issue is so true. Every time it rains, our streets turn into swimming pools because people just dump garbage anywhere. It's not just the government's job; we citizens need to stop throwing plastic in drains. The woman who died in Maligaon is a tragic reminder of how negligence costs lives. 😔
Chief Secretary is right about the need for long-term solutions. Every year it's the same panic mode. Why can't the GMDA and GMC do preventive work before monsoon starts? They always wait until the water is knee-deep. And alternative planning for Burnihat and Jorabat water inflow should have been done years ago. At least the investigation into the Maligaon incident is a good step.
I live in Beltola and this is becoming unbearable. My car got submerged last year, and now I'm worried about my house. The administration needs to deploy more pumps and clear the drains regularly, not just during emergencies. Plastic waste is a problem, but the drainage system itself is outdated for a growing city like Guwahati. 😠
It's heartbreaking to hear about the woman in Maligaon. But honestly, how many more lives need to be lost before we take urban planning seriously? The Chief Secretary is saying all the right things now, but we need action. Let's hope this year is different. My thoughts are with all those affected by the floods. ❤️
I appreciate the Chief Secretary acknowledging the issue of plastic waste, but what about the encroachments on natural drainage channels?
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