Bulldozer hits OKD Institute as Assam begins Silsakoo reservoir drive to tackle Guwahati floods

Guwahati: In a landmark move towards urban flood mitigation, the Assam government commenced the eviction drive at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) in Silsakoo today, with Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah overseeing the proceedings on-site.

The demolition, carried out under the state’s ambitious Silsakoo Reservoir Project, is aimed at creating a large-scale retention tank to manage Guwahati’s recurring flood crisis. Minister Mallabaruah emphasized that the eviction is a critical step in the long-term solution to the city’s waterlogging issues.

“This is not about targeting any group or institution,” said the Minister while addressing the media. “Institutions like Ginger Hotel, IHM, OKDISCD, and others are included in the project plan. All relocations are being executed with mutual understanding and respect.”

The eviction of OKDISCD marks a key milestone, with land for its relocation already identified. The cooperative institution involved will be shifted by 30th May, followed by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in June. Ginger Hotel and a nearby tennis court are slated for later phases.

Mallabaruah also assured that the government is extending full support during this transition. “Our target is to complete the entire eviction process before the monsoon sets in,” he added. Excavation for the reservoir will commence in the dry season and will be carried out in multiple zones. Once completed, the reservoir will have the capacity to retain large volumes of floodwater and release it into the Brahmaputra in a controlled manner, significantly reducing flood risks in the city.

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Highlighting the collaborative nature of the effort, the Minister said, “Evicting long-standing institutions was once a major hurdle, but today we see consensus. This is the beginning of a flood-resilient Guwahati.”

Regarding those displaced from government land, the Minister confirmed that compensation has been disbursed to verified beneficiaries. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is currently reviewing pending claims to ensure all genuine claimants are compensated under due process.

Officials confirmed that land for OKDISCD and the cooperative institution has already been allotted for relocation. Similar processes will be followed for IHM and Ginger Hotel.

The reservoir project has identified five major eviction zones. If the Brahmaputra’s water level remains manageable, floodwater will be drained into the river; if it is high, the reservoir will retain excess water, preventing backflow.

Minister Mallabaruah expressed confidence in completing excavation work within six months, acknowledging that environmental and administrative factors may influence the timeline. “If everything proceeds on schedule, we expect to see significant relief by next monsoon,” he said.

Later in the day, the Minister inspected flood-affected areas in Guwahati, navigating waterlogged streets on a two-wheeler. His on-ground visit was aimed at assessing the severity of the situation firsthand and directing officials to intensify relief and mitigation efforts.

GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, DoHUA Commissioner and Secretary Kavita Padmanabhan, and senior officials from GMDA and the district administration were present during the demolition operation.

The Silsakoo Reservoir Project is poised to become one of Guwahati’s most critical infrastructure ventures, signaling a robust, long-term strategy in the state’s battle against urban floods.