Assam Chief Secretary Reviews Guwahati Flood Preparedness After Torrential Rains
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Monday conducted a comprehensive review meeting following torrential rains that triggered artificial floods in Guwahati. The sudden downpour led to significant waterlogging across multiple vulnerable areas of the city, prompting immediate government intervention.
Government Agencies Placed on High Alert
During the review, Chief Secretary Kota directed the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Water Resources Department to maintain 24x7 operational alert status to effectively tackle waterlogging emergencies. This directive comes as part of proactive measures to prevent urban flooding disasters.
"Considering past incidents, including last year's landslides, the district administration has been directed to remain on high alert in vulnerable areas and ensure coordinated response, mitigation and relief," stated an official government release.
Infrastructure and Drainage Management
The National Highways Authority of India has received specific instructions to ensure concessionaires remain available round-the-clock for critical flood management tasks. These include:
- Clearing cross-drainage culverts
- Operating pumps efficiently
- Removing silt deposits following waterlogging
Key highway stretches identified for special attention include Tetelia-Jalukbari, Excel Care-Gorchuk, Koinadhara-Tripura Road, and Jorabat-Khanapara sections.
Strict Accountability Measures
The Public Works Department (Roads) has been tasked with ensuring thorough desiltation of drains and preventing recurrence of waterlogging. Strict directions have been issued for immediate, time-bound dredging, desiltation and cleaning of all drainage channels throughout the city.
"Any lapses in preparedness, maintenance or response will invite accountability," the government release emphasized, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are approaching flood prevention measures.
Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy
The review meeting established a multi-agency coordination framework to address Guwahati's vulnerability to artificial floods. This approach combines infrastructure maintenance with rapid response capabilities, drawing lessons from previous disaster incidents in the region.
Government officials emphasized that the coordinated effort aims to minimize disruption to daily life while ensuring public safety during monsoon seasons. The measures reflect growing concerns about urban flooding in rapidly developing cities like Guwahati and the need for systematic disaster management protocols.
