Guwahati: In a decisive move to prevent urban flooding and improve sanitation, Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati, District Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Sumit Sattawan, has issued a strict directive mandating all agencies and contractors involved in de-siltation to remove silt from roadside drains within two hours of extraction.
The directive follows repeated reports from monitoring committees that desilted material is being left on drain sides far beyond the stipulated two-hour window—with some instances of silt remaining unattended for over 24 hours.
Officials noted that in many cases, a single bout of rainfall causes the dumped silt to wash back into the drains, rendering the entire process ineffective.
“This negligence not only defeats the purpose of the de-siltation exercise but also creates serious hygiene issues for commuters and contributes to waterlogging,” stated the official order.
In light of these violations, the order—effective immediately—warns that non-compliance will attract legal action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
ALSO READ: ‘The Godfather’ director Coppola honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award
Agencies, departments, and contractors failing to adhere will be held accountable for obstructing public service.
The administration emphasised that de-siltation works are being treated as emergency flood mitigation efforts, and all stakeholders are expected to ensure timely clearance of silt to maintain the efficacy of the city’s drainage system.
