Assam, Meghalaya CMs join hands to tackle Guwahati urban flooding

Guwahati: Chief Ministers Assam and Meghalaya agreed to find a solution to the urban flooding issue in Guwahati which benefits both States. The states have agreed to entrust North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) to do a proper satellite mapping of the area post which they will request IIT Roorkee to suggest a tangible solution to the issue.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated in X, “Held threadbare discussions on several important issues with Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma at the Chief Ministers' Level Meeting in Guwahati. Key takeaways Assam and Meghalaya realise that development in both States is mutually inclusive and we need to work together to move ahead in the path of development Assam and Meghalaya will develop the Kulsi Irrigation project to benefit our farmers, which will be funded by Government of Assam. Both States will jointly build the 55 MW Kulsi Power Project after discussions with the local communities.”

He added, “ Of the 6 resolved boundary disputes, some minor hiccups are there which will soon be resolved after discussions between concerned parties and boundary pillars will be marked. The remaining 6 disputed sites will be resolved at a mutually agreeable time .Both States agreed to find a solution to the urban flooding issue in Guwahati which benefits both States. We have agreed to entrust NESAC to do a proper satellite mapping of the area post which we will request IIT Roorkee to suggest a tangible solution to the issue.”

Sarma visited Lakhimpur district on Monday to take stock of the flood situation. He inspected the flood-affected areas of Amtala and Barbila, as well as the submerged areas by the Pahumara River, and interacted with affected residents to understand their situation.

He also reviewed the measures implemented by the district administration. It may be noted that a significant portion of the area was inundated due to a breach at the Amtala embankment.

Sarma arrived at Lilabari Airport in Lakhimpur and held a meeting with NEEPCO officials of the Ranganadi Power Plant to discuss water release procedures, technical protocols, coordination with district administration, and prior public notifications.

He reviewed NEEPCO’s water release procedures and instructed that water be released gradually in phases rather than all at once. He emphasized addressing technical aspects and directed officials to maintain coordination with the district administration for timely public alerts. He also mandated immediate precautionary actions based on rainfall forecasts.

This year’s floods have submerged 129 villages across five revenue circles in Lakhimpur district, affecting 46,687 people. Additionally, 454.82 hectares of agricultural land and 22,871 livestock have been impacted. The administration has opened three relief camps sheltering 425 people and established 49 relief distribution centers. For rescue operations, one NDRF team and four SDRF teams have been deployed.