Guwahati: Assam govt has intensified preparations under Mission Flood-Free Guwahati to prevent urban flooding next monsoon.Housing and urban affairs minister Kaushik Rai chaired a review meeting in Dispur on Tuesday to assess existing flood-mitigation measures and plan preventive work.Officials discussed timely cleaning and de-silting of drains and drainage channels, along with proper disposal of accumulated mud.Rai said a standard operating procedure was prepared to ensure the work was carried out in a planned and time-bound manner.He stressed coordination among departments, clearly defined responsibilities and regular monitoring and inspection.The meeting also reviewed the limitations of existing interventions and challenges in addressing Guwahati’s recurring artificial floods.Those present included Guwahati Municipal Corporation mayor Mrigen Sarania, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Housing and Urban Affairs Commissioner-Secretary Kavita Padmanabhan, Kamrup Metropolitan Deputy Commissioner Swapnaneel Paul, Public Works Department Commissioner Sanjeev Shyam and GMC Commissioner Chinmoy Prakash Phookan.Govt aims to prioritise preventive maintenance over responses after heavy rain.
