Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government is prepared to take up the planned development of Nabin Nagar in Guwahati if residents agree to bring the flood-prone locality under the Local Planning Authority (LPA).
Speaking during a discussion on the flood situation in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said recurring urban flooding in several parts of Guwahati is largely the result of unplanned growth and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
Referring to Nabin Nagar, one of the city’s worst-affected areas during the monsoon, the Chief Minister said the government is willing to prepare a scientific development plan to tackle the problem permanently. However, he stressed that the initiative can move forward only with the consent and cooperation of local residents.
Sarma said bringing the locality under the LPA would enable authorities to implement planned urban development, including modern drainage networks, improved road connectivity and other essential civic infrastructure.
He added that the proposed planning model would be similar to those adopted in states such as Odisha and Gujarat, where systematic urban planning has helped improve infrastructure and reduce flooding in vulnerable areas.
According to the Chief Minister, planned development under the LPA framework would not only help mitigate the chronic flooding problem but also promote sustainable urban expansion and better public amenities.
He reiterated that the Assam government is ready to take responsibility for the area’s development if the residents agree to bring Nabin Nagar under the planning authority.