Guwahati Flood Mitigation: DGPS-Drone Survey Underway, Court Monitors Progress
The Assam state government has formally informed the Gauhati High Court that a comprehensive Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)-cum-drone survey is currently being conducted across all six river basins in Guwahati. This initiative is a critical component of a broader strategy to address the persistent issue of urban flooding in the city. The affidavit, submitted by the Department of Housing & Urban Affairs, also confirms that a hydraulic modelling study is in progress to develop effective flood mitigation solutions.
Court Reviews Progress on Drainage Master Plan
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury noted the contents of the affidavit. The document reveals that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bahini river basin has already been finalized. Furthermore, a project cost of Rs 183.99 crore under the Assam Urban Sector Development Project has been submitted for funding. This substantial amount is proposed to be financed through a collaboration involving the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The court's order states that the comprehensive drainage master plan for Guwahati is anticipated to be completed by April 2026.
PIL Highlights Artificial Flooding Concerns
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2024 by the North East Eco Development Society. The PIL raised serious concerns regarding artificial flooding in Guwahati, attributing the problem largely to widespread earth-cutting activities in and around the city. In October of last year, Senior Advocate KN Choudhury, serving as the Amicus Curiae in the case, presented the court with a set of detailed proposals formulated by a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer. These expert suggestions, as recorded in the court's October 2024 order, include:
- Detection of defective drainage systems through elevation profile analysis.
- Implementation of digital terrain modelling to design an efficient new drainage network.
- Initiation of river and stream rejuvenation projects.
- Preparation of a comprehensive, city-wide drainage map.
Parallel Action Against Unauthorized Hill Cutting
In a related development underscoring the court's proactive stance on environmental and urban planning violations, the Gauhati High Court has issued a notice to the owner and principal of a private school located in the city. The court has directed them to immediately halt all construction work. The school authorities are alleged to have carried out construction by cutting into an adjacent hill without obtaining the necessary permissions from the relevant government authorities. This case highlights the judiciary's focus on enforcing regulations that contribute to the city's flooding woes.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for this matter on May 6, where further updates on the drainage survey progress and the unauthorized construction case are expected.
