GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, August 12, attributed severe waterlogging in Guwahati’s Maligaon area to poor civic sense and the dumping of waste into drains by local residents and shopkeepers.
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Addressing a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Sarma said Maligaon, particularly the stretch below the flyover, witnessed severe waterlogging during the first instance of heavy rainfall this season.
According to Sarma, an inspection into the cause of the waterlogging found that the main drains in the area had been clogged with waste allegedly dumped by residents and shopkeepers.
“During the first instance of heavy rainfall this season, Maligaon faced severe waterlogging, especially below the flyover. When we investigated why waterlogging happened there, we found that shopkeepers and residents in Maligaon were dumping all kinds of waste into the main drains,” Sarma said.
Sarma said authorities subsequently engaged with residents and shopkeepers and explained how dumping waste into drains contributes to waterlogging and affects the entire community.
“We engaged with the public and explained that dumping waste causes suffering for everyone. We started cleaning operations, and with public cooperation, Maligaon did not experience waterlogging during the subsequent two heavy rainfalls,” he said.
Sarma cited the Maligaon experience as an example of how local solutions and community participation can help tackle recurring waterlogging in Guwahati.
“There are local solutions needed too,” the Chief Minister said, emphasising that civic responsibility must complement government efforts to improve the city’s drainage system.