Guwahati, 9th August: Satellite imagery of Meghalaya’s Greater Jorabat Hills has unveiled troubling deforestation patterns, which Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributes to recent flash floods in Guwahati. The images, shared by Sarma on social media, show substantial tree loss in areas around USTM University, approximately 6-7 kilometers from Guwahati, with deforestation extending to other parts of the Greater Jorabat Hills.
The time-lapse video posted by Sarma highlights the environmental degradation and its potential impact on local weather patterns, explaining that cloudbursts in these deforested areas can lead to severe flooding in nearby Guwahati.
Sarma emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation to address the environmental issues and protect shared habitats. He announced plans to work with the Meghalaya government to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation and prevent further flooding.
Recent heavy rains in Guwahati have exacerbated the problem, causing extensive waterlogging in key areas such as Zoo Road, GS Road, Nabin Nagar, and Ganeshguri. The flooding led to significant disruptions, leaving commuters, schoolchildren, and emergency services stranded as roads were submerged.