Guwahati: City Projects Remain Incomplete; Slow Response to Flood Woes

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati: In early 2024, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) announced a series of ambitious projects to tackle the city’s long-standing urban challenges. However, as months have passed, major initiatives such as the Drainage Master Plan, the Silsako Water Rejuvenation Project, and the construction of pumping stations remain far from completion.

Frustrated residents are left wondering whether the much-hyped development promises will ever materialise.

Drainage Master Plan: A Scientific Approach Stuck in Theory One of GMDA’s most critical initiatives was the Drainage Master Plan, aimed at addressing Guwahati’s chronic waterlogging and flash flood issues. The plan, which was expected to take a scientific approach to revamp the city’s outdated drainage infrastructure, has yet to make any tangible progress.

A GMDA official said, “We will conduct a scientific study for the drainage system in Guwahati and deliver a comprehensive master plan to the government within nine months.” However, as the monsoon season looms, citizens remain sceptical about whether the project will meet its timeline.

Pumping Stations: A Slow Response to Guwahati’s Flood Woes Guwahati’s bowl-shaped topography makes waterlogging a recurring nightmare for residents, particularly in low-lying areas. To address this, GMDA had proposed the construction of multiple pumping stations to drain out excess rainwater during heavy downpours. “Pumping stations are essential for floodwater management. They regulate water levels by pumping out excess rainwater from flood-prone zones,” a GMDA official had explained.

Despite the urgency of this project, groundwork remains sluggish, with no clear timeline on when these crucial flood-mitigation structures will be completed.

Fancy Bazaar Parking Lot Revamp: Still Awaiting Green Signal Amid complaints of waterlogging, mismanagement, and inadequate facilities at the Fancy Bazaar parking lot, GMDA finally announced a plan to revamp the site.

The proposed upgrade is expected to generate around Rs 50 lakh annually once fully operational. However, bureaucratic delays have stalled the project even before it has begun.

A senior GMDA official admitted that the plan is “awaiting final government approval” before work can proceed. Residents question the pace of development, while minor initiatives have seen some progress; Guwahatians are growing increasingly impatient with the slow execution of major infrastructure projects. As yet another monsoon season approaches, flooded streets, stalled drainage work, and incomplete projects paint a bleak picture of the city’s urban management. The question remains: Are these promises just hollow words, or will GMDA finally take action to fulfil its commitments?

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