GUWAHATI: In a series of crucial meetings held on Monday, June 10, at Janata Bhawan, Ashok Singhal, Assam Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Irrigation, convened with top officials to address critical issues affecting Guwahati and other urban areas in Assam. The discussions were aimed at tackling the city's recurring problems, particularly those related to flooding and urban development.
Singhal chaired a meeting with officials from Mission Flood-Free Guwahati, where discussions centred around the unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding in Guwahati due to Cyclone 'Remal.' The focus was on long-term solutions under the Mission Flood-Free Guwahati initiative to combat the city's recurring artificial flood problems.
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Singhal emphasised the use of natural water bodies, the Brahmaputra river and Deepor Beel, for effective water management. He stressed the importance of keeping Guwahati’s drains and streams free from garbage to maintain the natural flow of water.
Additionally, the discussion highlighted the need for strict measures to halt illegal mining and unauthorised construction, which contribute to silting and blockages in the city’s drainage systems. Singhal also called for strategies to prevent encroachments on river water bodies.
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A separate meeting with the technical wing of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs saw a focus on improving urban sanitation and waste management practices. Singhal stressed the importance of enhancing solid waste management systems and implementing effective strategies for managing used water. He also emphasised the need for proper maintenance of public toilets and the achievement of 100% waste collection from households in municipalities.
Key officials present at these meetings included Mukuta Deka, Vice Chairman of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA); Meghnidhi Dahal, Commissioner of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation; and Sumit Sattavan, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) District. Representatives from the Public Works Department, Water Resources Department, North East Frontier Railway, and the National Highways Authority of India also attended, contributing to the collaborative approach towards urban development and flood management.
