Earlier this year, Minister Singhal faced criticism for attributing Guwahati’s flooding to water runoff from neighbouring Meghalaya. On August 5, heavy rainfall caused unprecedented deluge, submerging large parts of the city. Singhal’s comments about the “red water” from Meghalaya’s silt drew backlash, urging him to clarify his stance.
On Thursday, November 30, Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal chaired a high-level meeting under the “Mission Flood Free Guwahati” initiative to address the problem ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
The meeting, held at the Loka Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, brought together senior officials and experts from various departments. Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota and Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan were among the attendees, along with representatives from the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
During the meeting, Minister Singhal stressed the importance of both short-term and long-term strategies to combat artificial flooding, which has become a recurring nightmare for the city’s residents. A special committee led by DC Sumit Sattawan recently compiled 275 suggestions from citizens in flood-prone areas such as Rukminigaon, Juripar, Wireless-Bashishtapur, and Hatigaon.
In addition to that, the Directorate of Town & Country Planning showcased a satellite-based survey analyzing the drainage systems in flood-affected zones. Based on the findings, the departments have been directed to implement short-term solutions within three to four months. Minister Singhal emphasized the need for:
* Sludge removal from major water channels, including Bharlu, Bahini, and Lakhimijan.
* Proper disposal of waste clogging the city’s sewers.
* Improved sewerage systems in critical areas like Juripar and Hatigaon.
* Adoption of scientific drainage methods for Rukminigaon and Wireless-Bashishtapur.
PWD was instructed to expedite the construction and repair of sewer systems, ensuring the measures are in place before the next monsoon.
Apart from flood mitigation, Singhal reviewed the progress of other urban infrastructure projects implemented by GMC, GMDA, and initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and Mission Amrut. Officials were urged to maintain strict timelines and prioritize flood-prone zones.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, Principal Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Gyanendra Deb Tripathi, and top officials from Indian Railways, the National Highways Authority, and Water Resources Department.
