Rains and drains

The spring showers in the last few days have been pretty heavy, leading to water-logging in several localities of Guwahati. Though efforts have been made by the authorities concerned to clean the Bharalu and other water-channels in the city, the ultimate outcome of these efforts will be seen only when the monsoon actually arrives. Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal had last week reportedly stated that flooding in Guwahati cannot be prevented if deforestation and encroachment on hills in the city are not stopped. He has also reportedly said if the drains get clogged with silt flowing down hilly areas after every spell of rain, no one can prevent flooding in the city. What the minister has said is true. But then, it is for the government to ensure that deforestation is stopped, reforestation begins in earnest, and encroachment on the city’s hills is cleared. Given the current scenario, one wonders whether the Urban Affairs Minister has raised the issue of deforestation and encroachment on the city’s hills with his counterpart in the ministry who handles these subjects. The Urban Affairs Minister probably should also take to task officers apparently vested with specific responsibility of different zones of Guwahati city in matters related to clearing and desilting of drains and water-channels. Citizens too need to be taken to task for dumping garbage in the city’s rivers, streams and water-channels. Penal action is also required to be imposed on shops and business establishments which dump their waste by the pavement, which in turn leads to clogging of the drains and water-channels.