Guwahati: Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Saturday conducted a field inspection of several flood-affected areas across Guwahati to assess the ground situation and oversee the state’s ongoing relief and mitigation efforts.
The minister visited multiple critical sites impacted by waterlogging and flash floods following heavy rains.
These included Juripar, the inundated stretch from Basistha Chariali to Balughat along the National Highway, the vicinity of Excel Care Hospital, Pandu Temple Ghat, the Kamakhya foothills, B. Baruah Road, G.S. Road, the area behind the AGP Office in Ambari, Pibco Point, Rukminigaon, and Rukmininagar.
Speaking to reporters during the inspection, Mallabaruah noted that many of the severely affected areas act as natural basins, collecting stormwater runoff from surrounding elevated terrain.
He highlighted that two major drainage projects are currently underway to redirect this runoff and mitigate flooding.
“Drainage in Rukminigaon, for example, can only be fully addressed once surrounding areas are cleared, and pumping begins. It requires a sequential approach, and work is progressing accordingly,” the minister said.
At Juripar, a known flood-prone zone where water from Meghalaya’s hills and Khanapara converges, Mallabaruah pointed out that the original Juri river has significantly narrowed due to years of encroachment and unplanned development.
To resolve this, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has proposed a “drain-cum-road” project that aims to restore the river’s natural channel and enhance water flow towards the Brahmaputra via Silsakoo.
He also shared insights from a recent joint survey conducted in collaboration with a Netherlands-based technical team.
Based on this survey, a long-term flood management blueprint is being developed.
This includes replicating successful urban drainage models, such as those employed by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
Two major ongoing projects—one connecting Koinadhara to Deepor Beel and another extending from Juripar through Bondajan to the Brahmaputra—are expected to offer significant long-term relief by improving Guwahati’s core drainage infrastructure.
The Minister commended the prompt response of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) workers, especially in flood-prone areas like Chandmari, Zoo Road, and Silpukhuri, where swift drainage cleaning efforts have helped floodwaters recede within hours of heavy rainfall.
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To support affected residents, the district administration is distributing essential supplies, including baby food, mosquito repellents, and daily-use items.
Mallabaruah reaffirmed the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs’ commitment to delivering both immediate relief and sustainable flood mitigation measures for the city.
He was accompanied during the inspection by Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, GMC Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal, ward councillors, and other senior officials.
