Guwahati: Assam’s Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, has announced a series of major urban infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving flood control, water supply, and sewage systems in Guwahati. These measures are set to tackle the city’s ongoing challenges with artificial flooding, waterlogging, and sanitation issues.
During a press conference, Minister Baruah outlined the government’s proactive approach to enhance the city’s drainage network. Super sucker machines are being deployed to clean major city drains, and 21 monitoring committees have been set up to oversee progress and ensure the proper execution of flood control projects. Contractors are required to work continuously until December, with an emphasis on quickly disposing of silt from drains to prevent re-clogging.
As part of a long-term flood mitigation strategy, the government has proposed enlarging the Silasako lake to serve as a water reservoir and connecting it to the Brahmaputra River. The proposal has been sent to the central government for approval. Furthermore, the government is working on a major drainage project from Khanapara-Koinadhara to Gurudwara, which is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging in the region.
In addition to flood control, the city’s water supply system is undergoing a significant transformation. The JICA-assisted Guwahati Water Supply Project is nearing completion, and starting in July, the Guwahati Jal Board will fully take over water supply operations. Residents who transition to the Jal Board’s service within July will not incur any charges, as the GMC will cover their fees. For ration card holders, water fees will be completely subsidized by the municipal corporation.
The government is also addressing the city’s sanitation issues with the launch of Guwahati’s first dedicated sewage system. Currently, most households rely on septic tanks, and many have connected their toilets to open drains, causing severe sanitation and environmental concerns. Under the new initiative, every household will be required to have a proper sewage connection. The first phase of the sewage treatment plant will be constructed near Meghdoot Cinema, with work set to begin this year. The project will take five years to complete, with additional plants planned in Boragaon, Pamohi, and Silasako.
These initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to ensure Guwahati’s long-term development, aiming to make the city cleaner, flood-free, and more sustainable for its residents.
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