Massive Drain Cleaning Drive To End Before Monsoon Hits City

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has undertaken a massive project to clean drains across the city under the 'Flood-Free Guwahati' scheme to combat flooding and enhance environmental cleanliness, the Councillor Ashish Bharali told Business North East (BNE).

"We have seen that many people have started throwing garbage in front of the river, which looks really bad," stated Bharali during the recently held Brahmaputra Board's Swachhata Pakhwada event.

Bharali said that he has already discussed with Chairman Ranveer Singh and other government officials, who are also in support. "Everybody has planned this thing so they can turn the bank of the Basistha River into a tourist destination or children's park. And I hope, one year from today, we will see the transformation," noted Bharali.

Detailing the extensive drain cleaning operation, Bharali said they have already initiated cleaning about 500 drains in Guwahati. He also mentioned the establishment of Solid Waste Management Plants (STPs) in Belortol and a transfer station at the Old Fancy Bazar Jail, aiming to bring Guwahati's sanitation standards in line with major Indian cities within the next two to three years.

With the monsoon season looming, Bharali assured the process would be swift. When asked about the total duration, he stated that in Guwahati, the flood-prone period begins after May, so they are targeting to complete before that. "It's an ongoing process, and it will take about one and one-half months to complete," said Bharali, who added that if one goes to the Khanapara areas or the GS Road areas, even at night, one could spot labourers and the super-circus cleaning the drains.

GMC's proactive approach to the drain cleaning project signals a strong commitment to improving Guwahati's environment and mitigating flood risks.