A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Gauhati High Court seeking multiple directions to the Assam government, including the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive, scientific, and time-bound urban flood management plan to address recurring 'artificial flooding' in Guwahati.
Court Hearing and Observations
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury heard the matter on Wednesday. Petitioner and advocate Sandeep Chamaria stated that the high court observed that open manholes and drains lying exposed at various places in Guwahati pose a grave threat to public safety and everyday life. The court directed the state government, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, and the concerned departments to immediately take protective measures by covering all open manholes, drains, and hazardous sewer channels.
Key Issues Raised in the PIL
In the petition, Chamaria cited recurring artificial floods, persistent waterlogging, drainage failures, encroachment on water bodies, and unscientific urban planning as key reasons behind the worsening flood situation in the city. He also referred to an April 19 incident in Maligaon where a woman died after falling into an uncovered drain during heavy rainfall when the area was inundated.
Court Directions and Next Hearing
Chamaria said the court directed the state government to take necessary steps and submit a progress report on the next date of hearing, which is May 12. The PIL seeks directions for a master drainage plan and modernization of Guwahati’s stormwater drainage system to manage heavy rainwater accumulation in the city and surrounding areas. It also seeks orders for restoration and protection of wetlands, natural drainage channels, and water bodies, along with strict removal of encroachments obstructing natural drainage and proper construction and maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
Additional Demands
The plea further seeks effective implementation of relevant state and central government policies on urban infrastructure and disaster management. It asks the court to direct the state government to constitute an independent expert committee to assess systemic failures leading to Guwahati’s flooding and recommend corrective measures.
The court has taken a serious view of the matter and expects compliance from the authorities. The next hearing will be crucial to evaluate the progress made in addressing the city's drainage and flood management issues.
