Guwahati is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains that began late last night and continued through this morning, leading to widespread flooding and significant inconvenience across the city. The relentless downpour has once again exposed the city’s vulnerability to severe waterlogging, with several localities inundated and daily life disrupted.
Citywide Disruptions: Traffic Jams and Waterlogging Intensify
The heavy rains resulted in chaotic scenes across several areas including Rukminigaon, Panjabari, Hatigaon, and Wireless, which bore the brunt of the waterlogging. The floods led to severe traffic disruptions, with long traffic jams leaving commuters stranded for hours. The situation was compounded by ongoing construction work for a new flyover in Down Town, exacerbating congestion from the Super Market area to Six Mile.
Residents of affected areas such as Panjabari, Ulabari, and Wireless expressed growing frustration over the recurring issue of waterlogging. The deluge not only disrupted traffic but also affected essential services and daily routines.
Experts Call for Comprehensive Urban Planning and Infrastructure Upgrades
Environmental experts attribute the artificial flooding to rapid urbanization coupled with inadequate drainage infrastructure. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive urban planning strategy that incorporates effective water management systems to mitigate future flooding incidents.
“Rapid urbanization without adequate drainage upgrades is a recipe for disaster,” said an environmental expert. “A long-term solution requires a well-planned approach to urban water management.”
Government Response: Dutch Firm to Aid in Flood Control Measures
In response to the persistent waterlogging issues, the Assam government has taken steps to address the problem. During a recent hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL/14/2024) filed by the North East Eco Development Society, Advocate General D. Saikia informed the Gauhati High Court of the government’s plans to collaborate with a Dutch company specializing in flood control measures.
A Netherlands-based firm has been selected to work on a comprehensive flood management plan. The Assam government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the firm to develop strategies aimed at alleviating the city’s flash flood problems.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards tackling the artificial flooding issues in Guwahati,” Saikia stated. “We are committed to working with international experts to develop and implement effective flood control measures.”
Moving Forward: Hope for Long-Term Solutions
As Guwahati deals with the immediate aftermath of the recent floods, there is cautious optimism that the planned collaboration with Dutch experts will provide a long-term solution to the city’s flooding problems. The focus now shifts to ensuring that the proposed measures are implemented effectively to prevent future disruptions and safeguard the city’s infrastructure and residents.
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