Baruah moots solution to city flash floods

GUWAHATI, March 16: Social activist and former GMDA chairman Dhiren Baruah has said that the action being taken to fight artificial floods in the city is not adequate that can only give temporary succour. In a missive to the Chief Minister he sought a permanent solution to floods in the city.

Talking to The Sentinel: “I suggested cleaning of the drains in the city by engaging some agencies, and then enhancing the capacity of the drains. I did suggest development of a portion of Deepor Beel for storm water after proper sewerage treatment. If the pumping arrangement of the Bharau is shifted around 300/400 meters towards the outfall the gradient will permit farther deepening of the riverbed to increase the capacity for smooth flow.”

One of the reasons for flash floods in Guwahati, Baruah said: “The speedy flow of rain water from hills being grossly interfered by habitation. My missive to the Chief Minister had three maps – one of the major channels and areas prone to water logging in the city, one for the notified area near Deepor Beel and one for the notified area of Silsaku Beel. I also suggested an efficient waste plastic magement initiative that may help promote livelihood generation as well, besides minimizing the use of plastics and other throw products. I also suggested using the Brahmaputra for water transport to and from the city. Such a step is going to ease out traffic congestion in the city, besides generating job avenues and revenues.”

After the letter sent to the Chief Minister by Diren Baruah, a joint secretary of the GDD wrote to the GMDA CEO and GMC Commissioner on February 22, 2018 to take concrete measures on the issues raised by the former GMDA chairman.