GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has rebuked the Assam government and departments concerned for their failure to address a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding chronic waterlogging in Guwahati.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kardak Ete, expressed their disappointment that despite ample time given, no response had been filed by the relevant authorities. They observed, “It appears that the aforesaid Departments are not serious in solving the problem of water logging in the Guwahati city, as despite specific time granted to them, no response has been filed till date.”
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The PIL, highlighting the prolonged issue of waterlogging during the monsoon season in Guwahati, prompted the court to summon the Additional Chief Secretary to Assam's Forest & Environment Department, the Principal Secretary to Revenue and DM Department, the Chief Executive Officer of Assam Disaster Management Authority, and the Divisional Forest Officer of Kamrup Division. They were instructed to provide details within 10 days on the measures taken to alleviate the problem.
Observing the gravity of the situation affecting the public, the court emphasised the authorities' lack of effective action over an extended period. Despite these directives, the court noted that no substantive response had been received from the departments concerned.
In a move to ensure accountability and prompt action, the court has granted another opportunity for the departments to submit their responses to the writ petition. However, as a deterrent for their delay, each department has been directed to pay a penalty of Rs. 1,000 to the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Authority.
The court's decision emphasises the urgency of addressing the longstanding issue of waterlogging in Guwahati, reflecting its commitment to ensuring public welfare and administrative accountability.
