Minister Ashok Singhal takes stock of urban flooding in Guwahati

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Ashok Singhal, Assam Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, visited several locations in the city and took stock of the waterlogging problem, which has turned out to be a major problem since Friday morning. The minister pointed to the above-average rains as the cause of the flooding, citing that the city had received 167.80 mm of rain in the preceding 48 hours compared to a total of 171 mm in the month of September.

He also informed that action was being taken and that the water levels would recede in a few hours. He further added, "We have carried out dredging of the drainage system across Guwahati. However, the scenes today show that more work needs to be done. However, one good thing for us is that the Bharalu River is taking in the excess water." He also said, "We have been pumping out the flood waters across 32 places in Guwahati. This clearly highlights that the outlets through which the water is supposed to pass remain blocked. This needs to be addressed."

The Minister visited the Bondajaan Sluice Gate in Narengi and observed that the gate is working at its full capacity in Silsako to check on the outflow of floodwater and PIBCO Point. He also visited the Bharalumukh Sluice Gate and took stock of the situation. He went on to talk about the need for proper garbage disposal.

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