GUWAHATI: The Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management Project in Guwahati aims to tackle urban flooding with a total budget of ₹200 crore. This comprehensive plan includes both structural and non-structural measures designed to mitigate flood risks, which have intensified due to climate change.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared details of the project on his X handle, emphasising the state’s commitment to creating resilient infrastructure: “Our focus is on creating resilient infrastructure to tackle the challenges of urban flooding in Guwahati, accentuated by climate change. We are investing ₹200cr in the coming days to create interventions which will help in mitigating this pressing issue.”
The proposed structural initiatives involve constructing new stormwater drains in critical areas, such as the stretch from Excelcare Boragaon to Deepor Beel, along the southern side of NH27 from Khanapara to Basistha Chariali, and from Juripar to Silsako.
Additionally, the project includes a new pumping station, flood protection wall along the Bahini river, and upgrades to existing pump houses at Bharalu and Lakhmijan. To further improve water management, silt traps and watershed control for surrounding hills will be introduced, along with underground retention tanks for runoff control.
Meanwhile, the non-structural initiatives, the project will establish a flood early warning system and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for pump houses. Training and awareness programs are also in the works, alongside enhanced monitoring of Guwahati’s hills to assess damage, encroachment, and landslide risks with the aid of drone technology.