A high-level review meeting was held at Janata Bhavan to effectively address the chronic problem of artificial flooding and inundation in the city of Guwahati. The meeting, chaired by Home and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Roy, discussed the GIS-based master plan for construction of comprehensive sewerage system and the detailed project report of Bahini-Bharlu Basin.
This review is considered highly significant in view of regular artificial flooding in various parts of Guwahati during the monsoon season. The departmental officers and technical experts present in the meeting thoroughly discussed the recommendations contained in the master plan and project report and the effectiveness of the proposed measures., Sustainability and long-term effects, it said. During the discussion, Minister Roy emphasized the need for a realistic and robust sewage infrastructure to effectively reduce the flood problem in Guwahati.
The minister directed the consulting firms involved in the project to revise their proposals based on the observations and recommendations raised during the review. He directed all stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive re-evaluation of the revised plans before giving final approval so that technical glitches and challenges arising in implementation can be properly addressed. The meeting laid special emphasis on adopting an integrated and progressive approach to urban flood management. Enhanced sewer efficiency, Strengthening resilience during heavy rainfall and timely implementation of priority projects were the main points of discussion.
Kavita Padmanabhan, Secretary of the Commissioner, Home and Urban Affairs Department was present in the meeting, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Anbamuthan MP, Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Fund Management Company LimitedManaging Director Hiwar Nisarga Gautam, Additional Managing Director of the same organization is Sampreeti Goswami, The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer of Public Works Department Hemant Deuri Varali and Chief Engineer of Guwahati Municipal Corporation Pradyuman Bardoloi among other senior officials.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure, Minister Roy called for concerted efforts among all concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of the sewerage scheme. It is hoped that proper implementation of this project will provide a long-term and sustainable solution to the problem of artificial flooding in Guwahati.