Guwahati: Housing and urban affairs minister Kaushik Rai on Tuesday directed all line departments to carry out regular drain cleaning and desilting, stressing improved coordination and faster completion of drainage works to curb waterlogging and make the city flood-free.Rai chaired a review meeting with officials of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Assam Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation Ltd. (AUIDFCL), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), water resources department, public works department (PWD), Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), Oil India, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and the forest department.During the meeting, the minister reviewed persistent waterlogging in vulnerable localities in the city such as Maligaon, Kahilipara, Khanapara and Jorabat, where artificial flooding repeatedly disrupted daily life during the monsoon season.In a post on X, Rai stated, “Reviewed the waterlogging and flooding caused by the recent heavy rainfall in Maligaon, Kahilipara, Jorabat, Khanapara and other parts of Guwahati and discussed both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen drainage infrastructure and improve interdepartmental coordination. Directed all departments to work in close coordination and take swift action to address the issues affecting residents.”He also instructed officials to expedite ongoing drainage construction projects across the city.GMC’s mayor Mrigen Sarania appealed to residents to support the govt’s efforts by maintaining cleanliness and avoiding practices that obstruct drainage channels. “Our priority is to give permanent freedom to the people of Guwahati from the curse of artificial flood. The cooperation and awareness of all citizens is desperately needed in this mission to build a flood-free, clean, well-organised and housing Guwahati,” Sarania stated on social media.Senior officials from GMDA, Kamrup (Metro) district commissioner, GMC commissioner and others attended the meeting.
