Guwahati: In a significant development under the Assam government’s flood control initiative, a demolition drive was carried out at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) in Silsakoo on Tuesday.
The move is part of the state’s flagship ‘Silsakoo Reservoir Project’, aimed at addressing chronic urban flooding in Guwahati.
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah was present during the eviction and later addressed the media, highlighting the strategic importance of the reservoir project.
He stated that clearing encroachments and reallocating institutions was necessary for the construction of a large retention tank designed to manage stormwater during the monsoon season.
“This is not about targeting any group or institution,” the minister clarified. “The project encompasses all structures in the earmarked area, including Ginger Hotel, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), and OKDISCD. Land acquisition for OKDISCD has been carried out amicably following mutual understanding.”
Mallabaruah also announced a phased timeline for evictions: the cooperative institution is to be relocated by May 30, IHM by June, and Ginger Hotel and the adjacent tennis court in subsequent phases.
He assured that the government is providing all necessary support to institutions during their transition and that the process is being conducted in a systematic, respectful, and transparent manner.
Excavation work for the reservoir is expected to begin in the upcoming dry season, depending on weather and river conditions.
Once completed, the reservoir will act as a buffer during heavy rainfall, storing excess water and discharging it safely into the Brahmaputra River, thereby preventing waterlogging and flood damage in central Guwahati.
“This project represents the realisation of a long-standing vision,” Mallabaruah said. “What was once seen as politically and administratively difficult is now becoming a shared mission to build a resilient city.”
Regarding displaced residents, Mallabaruah informed that compensation has already been distributed to verified beneficiaries.
Additional claims are under verification by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), with due compensation to follow in accordance with government norms.
Five major sites have been identified under the project for eviction and excavation.
The design allows for flexible floodwater discharge: water will be drained into the river when levels are low and retained during peak river flows to prevent backflow.
Mallabaruah expressed confidence that excavation could be completed within six months, depending on environmental and administrative factors.
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“If we remain on schedule, Guwahati could experience substantial flood relief by the next monsoon,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the minister also conducted an on-ground inspection of flood-affected areas in the city.
In a notable gesture, he traversed waterlogged streets on a two-wheeler to personally assess the situation and instructed officials to expedite relief and mitigation efforts.
The demolition drive at OKDISCD was attended by GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, DoHUA Commissioner and Secretary Kavita Padmanabhan, along with senior officials from GMDA and the district administration.
