Minister Ashok Singhal convenes key meetings to address flooding in Guwahati

Dispur: Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal today held several crucial meetings at Janata Bhawan to address the ongoing flood situation in Guwahati city. The discussions involved key branches of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), and the Technical Branch of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department.

The primary focus of the meetings was the artificial flooding in Guwahati due to the heavy rains last Monday. Minister Singhal emphasized the need for immediate technical measures to drain water from the affected areas. The Directorate of Urban and Rural Planning has already conducted a survey using satellite technology to analyze the layout of roads, sewers, and slopes in flood-prone areas. Based on this data, Minister Singhal directed the officials to make necessary recommendations to alleviate the flooding issue.

In a significant move, Minister Singhal announced the formation of a special committee led by the Commissioner of Kamrup (Metropolitan) District. This committee, which includes the Commissioner of GMC, Director of Urban and Rural Planning, and the Executive Officer of GMDA, will review citizen suggestions on tackling artificial flooding in Guwahati. The committee is tasked with meeting citizens and dignitaries who have offered solutions and will compile a report for government action.

Additionally, the meetings reviewed progress on several other projects, including the Chief Minister's Easy Housing Scheme, Urban Planning Scheme, TDR Policy, Guwahati Master Plan 2045, and urban waste management.

Attendees of these meetings included GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, Vice-Chairman Mukuta Deka, Commissioner-Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs Kabita Padmanabhan, Secretary Pavitraram Khaund, GMC Commissioner Meghnidhi Dahal, GMDA Chief Executive Officer Anbamuthan MP, and top officials from the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Swachh Bharat Mission, Technical Branch of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, and Directorate of Urban and Rural Planning.