Northeast Desk, 10th August: In the wake of severe flash floods that have wreaked havoc in Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pointed fingers at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) for contributing to the disaster. Sarma accused the university, located near the Assam-Meghalaya border in Baridua, Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi District, of obstructing natural water flow from the Meghalaya hills into Guwahati, leading to the city’s unprecedented flooding.
The Chief Minister expressed strong disapproval of USTM’s construction practices, particularly the large-scale excavation of hills to expand its campus. “USTM has dug up a big hill, taking advantage of their geographic location. More than 4-5 hills of Meghalaya have been cut to construct the university,” Sarma remarked, attributing the flood’s severity to these activities.
In response, USTM issued a statement defending its environmental initiatives and infrastructure development. The university emphasized its commitment to sustainability, highlighting the extensive water harvesting systems and afforestation efforts implemented on campus. USTM argued that its construction activities contribute only a minimal fraction to the water flow affecting the surrounding areas, including Kiling Road and G.S. Road. Moreover, the university assured that all expansions were carried out with the necessary permissions from the Government of Meghalaya.
USTM also underscored its achievements, such as securing NAAC ‘A’ accreditation and being recognized among the top 200 universities in India. The university prides itself on being recognized as a Green Campus by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), with substantial investments in eco-friendly technologies, including water harvesting systems, groundwater recharging, and solar power generation. The campus features five large natural reservoirs designed to capture and store rainwater, contributing significantly to local water conservation.
With nearly 6,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff, USTM maintains that it operates under full compliance with government regulations. The university is also advancing a major medical project in collaboration with the state government, with guidance from experts and design input from IIT professionals.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing development with environmental responsibility, especially in regions prone to natural calamities like Guwahati.
Read More: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Celebrates Empowerment and Progress on Jan Unmukti Diwas