Guwahati, 4th June: In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing the chronic water logging problem in Guwahati during the monsoon season, the Guwahati High Court has directed the Assam government to submit a detailed response within ten days. This directive was issued by a bench comprising Honourable Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Honourable Justice Suman Shyam.
During the court session, R. Dhar, counsel for the petitioner, argued that the persistent water logging issue has not been adequately addressed by the authorities for an extended period. Representing the state were D. Gogoi, Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, and N. Bordoloi, Standing Counsel for the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
The court noted that no response had yet been filed by the state authorities, which include the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest & Environment Department, the Principal Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the CEO of the Assam Disaster Management Authority, and the Divisional Forest Officer of the Kamrup Division.
Emphasizing the significant public impact of the issue, the court expects the respondents to provide a comprehensive account of the measures taken to mitigate water logging in the city. The next hearing is scheduled after ten days, by which time the state must submit their counter to the petition.
Water logging in Guwahati has long been a major concern for residents, disrupting daily life and posing health risks. The court’s directive aims to ensure accountability and prompt action from the responsible authorities to address this ongoing issue.
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