The state government is set to introduce the Assam Urban Area Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2024, in the forthcoming Assembly session beginning on August 22.
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Urban Flooding in Guwahati:
In recent days, Guwahati has experienced severe urban flooding, significantly impacting daily life and infrastructure. A brief but intense rainstorm led to widespread waterlogging across various parts of the city, exacerbating existing flood conditions.
In August, a sudden hour-long rainstorm inundated significant areas of Guwahati, transforming city roads into virtual rivers. Major areas affected include Chandmari, Maniram Dewan Road, Maligaon, Hatigaon, Beltola, Lachit Nagar, and GS Road. Low-lying regions such as Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar, already prone to severe inundation, experienced heightened flooding.
The torrential rain caused severe waterlogging, leading to extensive traffic jams. Vehicles, including ambulances, were stranded for hours in many parts of the city, including Sixmile, Chandmari, and GS Road.
Floodwaters entered homes in several areas, damaging property and creating unhygienic conditions. Overflowing sewage further compounded the issue, affecting household cleanliness and safety.
Key infrastructure such as roads, drains, and bridges has been severely impacted. An hour of rain created a sea-like situation on city roads, highlighting issues with storm water management.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted field inspections in affected areas. The Chief Minister directed the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to expedite drainage improvements and mandated the construction of a guard wall to prevent future inundation.
The rapid onset of flooding and the resulting disruption of normal life have led to significant public dissatisfaction, with many residents expressing frustration over the city's flood management measures through social media.
The Central Water Commission reported that the Brahmaputra River, while flowing above the danger mark, is showing a falling trend in Guwahati. However, the flooding has highlighted the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to better manage heavy rainfall and prevent future flooding.
The recent flooding in Guwahati underscores the critical need for enhanced urban flood management strategies. Immediate repairs and long-term infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate the impact of future rainstorms and safeguard the city’s residents.
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Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has attributed the severe flooding in Guwahati to water from neighboring Meghalaya, citing the red hue of the floodwater as evidence. The city experienced unprecedented rainfall on August 5, with 136 mm of rain recorded in just one and a half hours, overwhelming the drainage system.
Singhal stated, “This is not Guwahati’s water; it is Meghalaya’s water. Guwahati’s water is black, Meghalaya’s is red!” He pointed out that the red color of the floodwater is due to the red soil from Meghalaya.
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A central Ministerial team visited the state to assess, monitor, and progress made in various water conservation measures in the face of a chronic water shortage in the Imphal city of Manipur.
A meeting on “Jal Shakti Abhiyan-Catch the Rain 2024” (JSA-CTR-2024), organized by the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, was held at Imphal on Thursday.
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Ukhrul, home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe in Manipur, is known for its rich biodiversity, with thick forests and undulating mountains. The virgin forests have fed generations as their vital source of livelihood. However, over the years, the once-revered green forests and resources have slowly depleted and degraded due to the rampant cutting of trees for traditional jhum cultivation and other human activities.
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A recent report by the state fishery department has revealed that the devastating floods in Thoubal, Manipur have destroyed fish farms worth approximately Rs 178 crore, affecting the livelihoods of numerous fish farmers.
The floods, which occurred in the third week of August 2024, inundated vast areas of fish farms in the Lilong, Thoubal, and Wangjing-Tentha sub-divisions, resulting in significant economic losses.
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