Guwahati: In a proactive move to address city’s persistent urban flooding crisis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA), Jayanta Mallabaruah, on Wednesday conducted an extensive visit to several flood-affected areas across the city. During the inspection, the Minister visited major flood-prone areas including Rukminigaon, Juripar, Boragaon and followed by on-site meetings with district administration and departmental officials to assess the ground situation and expedite mitigation measures, stated a press release.
Speaking to the media, the Minister highlighted that Guwahati’s topography, surrounded by hills and marked by unplanned development, leads to rapid water accumulation during rainfall. “Floodwater from higher areas drains into the city, worsening the situation,” he said
Highlighting Rukminigaon as one of the worst-affected zones where rainwater levels can rise up to six feet within a short period, he assured that the government is actively working on targeted interventions. “We are planning to divert floodwater at its entry points. Drains are already under construction to channel excess water from Wireless and Hatigaon areas. These should be functional within next few days,” the Minister informed. Additionally, another major drain has been proposed near the DIPR office to bolster the city’s drainage grid.
While holding another meeting at ASDM Betkuchi, the Minister noted that the area is a sensitive flood zone where water from Meghalaya, Bahini, Mora Bharalu, and Basistha converges, often leading to severe waterlogging. He emphasized the urgent need to enhance the drainage capacity and properly channel the excess water efficiently towards Deepor Beel. He also pointed out that the guard walls of two overbridges on the National Highway obstruct the natural flow of water, worsening the situation. The GMDA has been instructed to take necessary action in coordination with the ongoing Six-Lane Ring Road project.
Recognizing that flooding in the city cannot be entirely eliminated in low-lying pockets, Minister Baruah also mentioned the possibility of using Plastic Barriers to slow or divert water flow. The District Commissioner has been instructed to work with residents to deploy them during heavy rains.
In a significant development, he announced that a first for Assam, EcoBlock technology which was successfully used in Chennai, will be introduced in Rukminigaon and Chandmari. These systems absorb rainwater and recharge groundwater, reducing surface runoff and mitigating floods. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will implement the project, starting within a week.
“For sustainable flood management, we are working closely with the Town and Country Planning Department on structural solutions. Meanwhile, the ongoing drainage works, plastic barrier deployment, and EcoBlock installations will bring much-needed interim relief,” he said.
In a major regulatory push, the government has directed all real estate developers to incorporate Groundwater Recharge Systems in their buildings. “PHE, Irrigation, and Water Resources Department engineers, will inspect these groundwater recharge mechanisms to ensure compliance with building bylaws. The same will apply to all government buildings, with GMC tasked to ensure implementation,” the Minister asserted.
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