PIL in HC seeks scientific plan to curb Guwahati’s artificial flooding

Guwahati: A PIL has been filed before the Gauhati High Court, seeking multiple directions to the Assam govt, including the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive, scientific and time-bound urban flood management plan to address recurring “artificial flooding” in Guwahati.

A bench of chief justice Ashutosh Kumar and justice Arun Dev Choudhury heard the matter on Wednesday.

Petitioner and advocate Sandeep Chamaria said, “The high court observed that open manholes and drains lying exposed at various places in Guwahati pose a grave threat to public safety and everyday life. The court has directed the state govt, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, and the concerned departments to immediately take protective measures by covering all open manholes, drains, and hazardous sewer channels.”

In the petition, Chamaria cited recurring artificial floods, persistent waterlogging, drainage failures, encroachment on water bodies and unscientific urban planning as key reasons behind the worsening flood situation in the city.

He also referred to an April 19 incident in Maligaon in which a woman died after falling into an uncovered drain during heavy rainfall, when the area was inundated.

Chamaria said the court directed the state govt to take necessary steps and submit a progress report on the next date of hearing, May 12.

The PIL seeks directions for a master drainage plan and modernization of Guwahati’s stormwater drainage system to manage heavy rainwater accumulation in the city and surrounding areas. It also seeks orders for restoration and protection of wetlands, natural drainage channels and water bodies, and strict removal of encroachments obstructing natural drainage, along with proper construction and maintenance.

The plea further seeks effective implementation of relevant state and central govt policies on urban infrastructure and disaster management, and asks the court to direct the state government to constitute an independent expert committee to assess systemic failures leading to Guwahati’s flooding and recommend corrective measures.
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