Guwahati, 18 July (HS): Assam BJP spokesperson Manas Saraniya on Saturday alleged that decades of unplanned urbanisation during the Congress regime are the primary reason behind Guwahati's recurring artificial flooding. In a statement, he claimed that the destruction of wetlands, encroachment on natural water bodies and illegal construction over drainage channels severely disrupted the city's natural water flow, resulting in widespread waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Saraniya said several areas, including Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Shaktigarh, Kachari Basti and Purba Saraniya, once had extensive wetlands and paddy fields that naturally absorbed rainwater. However, these were gradually filled up and encroached upon, particularly during the Congress government's tenure, without any long-term planning to address the consequences.

He also pointed to heavy runoff from the Meghalaya hills, particularly through the USTM side, as another major factor contributing to flooding in Guwahati. According to him, rainwater reaches the city's Shilsako area rapidly, while its drainage out of the city remains slow, leading to prolonged waterlogging.

Highlighting the present government's efforts, Saraniya said the Assam government under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has adopted scientific and long-term measures to tackle the problem. He claimed that significant improvements have already been witnessed in areas such as Ambari, B. Borooah College, Excelcare Hospital, Balumukh and Rukminigaon due to drainage upgrades, desiltation, strengthened pumping systems and new stormwater drains.

He further stated that several major flood mitigation projects are underway across the city, including new stormwater drainage networks, expansion of pumping infrastructure, desiltation of the Bharalu River, and new drainage channels connecting flood-prone areas. Saraniya expressed confidence that the phased completion of these projects would provide a permanent solution to Guwahati's artificial flooding and help transform the city into a scientifically planned, flood-resilient urban centre.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash