Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to submit a detailed report on the administrative measures taken to address urban flooding in Guwahati.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kardak Ete, issued the directive during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on May 26 filed by the North East Eco Development Society.
This PIL had raised concerns regarding illegal encroachments and rampant hill cutting, which the petition alleged directly contribute to artificial floods and landslides across the city.
The bench, noting the recurring issues of flooding and waterlogging in Guwahati, instructed the advocate general to submit a comprehensive report detailing the measures adopted by the administration.
The Court also asked for updates based on the findings of an agency hired by the Assam government to suggest a flood management plan for Guwahati.
Earlier, in an order dated March 21, the Court had instructed the State Government to present its action plan for curbing hill-cutting practices not only in Guwahati but also in its adjoining regions and other parts of Assam.
In response, the Commissioner and Secretary of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department filed an affidavit listing regulatory and preventive measures already implemented.
However, Amicus Curiae appointed in the case argued that hill cutting continues unchecked in several parts of the city. He pointed out that while laws exist, strict enforcement appears to be lacking.
Requesting more time, the Amicus informed the bench that he would present fresh evidence highlighting recent incidents of unauthorized hill cutting in and around Guwahati.
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The Court also took cognizance of recent media reports and visual evidence of urban flooding in several residential areas and major city roads, triggered by heavy rainfall.
The High Court instructed the Advocate General of Assam to provide a comprehensive report on the state administration’s flood mitigation measures.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 11.
