Guwahati, 5th June: Several parts of Guwahati are experiencing severe urban flooding due to incessant rain on June 5, causing significant inconvenience to city dwellers. Areas like Chandmari, Hatigaon, Sijubari, and Six-miles are particularly affected by the logged stormwater. The residents blame the state government and relevant authorities for the persistent waterlogging issue, which has left students and office-goers unable to attend schools and offices, and women and the elderly stranded in their homes.
Earlier on June 3, the Guwahati High Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the ongoing waterlogging problem during the monsoon season. The court directed the Assam government to submit a detailed response within ten days. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam, heard arguments from R. Dhar, counsel for the petitioner, who stressed that authorities have failed to adequately address the chronic issue.
Representatives from the state, including D. Gogoi, Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, and N. Bordoloi, Standing Counsel for the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, were present. The court noted the lack of a filed response from state authorities, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest & Environment Department, Principal Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, CEO of the Assam Disaster Management Authority, and the Divisional Forest Officer of the Kamrup Division.
Given the significant public impact, the court expects the respondents to detail the measures taken to mitigate waterlogging in Guwahati. The next hearing is scheduled for ten days from now, by which time the state must submit their response to the petition.
The ongoing issue of waterlogging in Guwahati disrupts daily life and poses health risks, highlighting the need for accountability and prompt action from responsible authorities.
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