Guwahati, 20 April (HS): Following intense cloudburst-like rainfall that lashed Guwahati, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota conducted a comprehensive review of the flood and waterlogging situation across the city on Monday. Several locations recorded nearly 120 mm of rainfall within a few hours, exceeding the 120 mm recorded over a 24-hour period on May 31, 2025, leading to widespread disruption of normal life.
The heavy downpour resulted in severe waterlogging in multiple areas, causing inconvenience to residents and affecting traffic movement. Authorities noted that the intensity of rainfall was unusually high, prompting immediate response measures from various departments.
The India Meteorological Department, along with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority has been directed to provide timely and advance weather forecasts and advisories. These alerts aim to help citizens plan their movement, supported by traffic advisories from city police.
The National Highways Authority of India has been instructed to ensure round-the-clock availability of concessionaires for clearing drainage culverts, operating pumps and removing silt deposits. Critical stretches identified for intervention include Tetelia–Jalukbari, Excel Care–Gorchuk, Koinadhara–Tripura Road and Jorabat–Khanapara.
Civic bodies, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, along with the Water Resources Department have been asked to maintain 24×7 operational readiness in vulnerable localities such as Anil Nagar, Navin Nagar and Rukmini Nagar to tackle waterlogging.
The Public Works Department (Roads) has been directed to carry out thorough desiltation of drains and prevent recurrence of flooding, especially along GS Road near Bhangagarh. Officials have been warned of strict accountability for any lapses in preparedness or response.
In connection with the recent Maligaon incident involving loss of life, the District Commissioner has been instructed to initiate a magisterial enquiry to fix responsibility. Authorities stated that incidents arising from preventable causes would be dealt with firmly.
Residents in landslide-prone hilly areas have been advised to remain alert amid forecasts of continued rainfall. All departments are working in close coordination to expedite drainage and restore normalcy with conditions improving in several areas while efforts continue in others.
Officials highlighted that prompt clearance of waterlogging near Jorabat was possible due to prior dredging and drainage improvements towards Byrnihat, underscoring the importance of sustained maintenance measures.
According to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department, occasional rain and thunderstorms are likely in the coming days and all agencies have been directed to remain on high alert.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
