Guwahati: Fight against flood hits roadblock of unplanned growth, drainage gaps

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Guwahati’s recurring urban flooding has exposed gaps in the city’s drainage planning, with rapid construction, expanding transport infrastructure and overlapping departmental responsibilities complicating efforts to build a flood-resilient urban system.

The Assam Government has asked consultants to revise the proposed Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan for Guwahati and the Detailed Project Report for the Bahini-Bharalu Basin to identify shortcomings and strengthen measures against chronic waterlogging.

Reports in Dispur said the problem extended beyond the capacity of individual drains, as the city’s rapid expansion through flyovers, roads, residential complexes and commercial projects had altered natural water-flow patterns in several areas.

Guwahati has 24 flyovers and bridges either operational or forming part of its expanding transport network. While these projects have improved connectivity, questions remain over whether adequate storm-water drainage provisions were incorporated into their planning.

The city’s location along the Brahmaputra and its network of natural channels and tributaries has historically allowed wetlands, low-lying areas and drainage channels to absorb and carry excess rainwater. Rapid urbanisation and encroachment, however, have placed increasing pressure on these systems.

A senior PWD official also pointed to overlapping responsibilities among agencies, including the Public Works Department, Guwahati Municipal Corporation and other urban bodies, in constructing and maintaining roads and drains. Changes in desiltation responsibilities have also contributed to uncertainty over the agency responsible for specific stretches.

“There has to be a construction plan and maintenance plan, which is missing in Guwahati,” the official said.

Urban planners and civic experts have called for an integrated drainage map with clearly defined drainage hierarchies, maintenance responsibilities and standard operating procedures. They have also stressed coordination among the GMC, PWD, GMDA and other agencies, along with separation of storm-water and sewage networks, protection of wetlands and natural channels, action against encroachment and mandatory drainage provisions in major infrastructure projects.

Residents have also raised concerns over recurring waterlogging during heavy rain and urged authorities to identify the underlying causes rather than relying solely on emergency drain-clearing measures.

With Guwahati continuing to expand, the revised drainage master plan is expected to guide the city’s transition from short-term flood management towards long-term resilience.

Also Read: Assam issues comprehensive post-flood restoration SOP for four worst-hit districts