Guwahati, 1 June (HS): Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA) Minister Jayanta Mallabarua visited the flood-affected areas of Guwahati to take stock of the situation and review relief and evacuation operations.

The minister inspected several important areas including Juripar, the submerged portion of the National Highway from Basistha Chariali to Balughat, area near Excel Care Hospital, Pandu Mandir Ghat, Kamakhya Foothills, B Baruah Road, GS Road, area behind AGP office at Ambari, Pibco Point, Rukminigaon, Rukmininagar.

Speaking to the media, Mallabarua said that the geographical location of these areas is such that they act as 'basins' for the water flowing from the surrounding hills. He said that construction of two major drainage channels is underway to drain this water. He said that water can be drained from Rukminigaon only when the surrounding areas are cleaned first. He said that phased and coordinated efforts are underway in this direction.

At Juripar, where water flows from the hills of Meghalaya and Khanapara collects. The minister said that the traditional 'Juri' river has narrowed due to encroachment and urbanization. To address this, the GMDA has proposed a drain-cum-road project, which will widen the natural water stream again to flow towards the Brahmaputra.

He also informed that the government is preparing a comprehensive flood management strategy based on a joint survey with a team from the Netherlands. It plans to improve Guwahati's drainage system by adopting successful techniques from cities like Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Two major projects are currently underway—one from Koinadhara to Deepor Beel and the other from Juripar to Brahmaputra via Bondajan—which are expected to provide long-term flood relief.

The minister lauded the prompt drainage works of GMC personnel at Chandmari, Zoo Road and Shilapukhuri, which cleared the waterlogging within a few hours of the rain.

He said that as part of the relief work, essential items like baby food, mosquito repellents and items of daily use are being distributed to the affected families with the help of the district administration.

The minister assured that his department is committed to providing immediate relief as well as long-term flood solutions in Guwahati.

Mayor Mrigen Sharaniya, GMDA chairman Narayan Deka, GMC commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal, other councillors and departmental officials were also present with the minister during the inspection.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash