By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Assam government has proposed a Rs 1,459 crore drainage and flood management project to address recurring flash floods in Guwahati.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a long-term strategy to address recurring urban flash floods in Guwahati, citing the city’s geographical landscape and changing climate conditions as major factors behind persistent waterlogging.
In a post on X, Sarma said Guwahati’s bowl-shaped terrain and intense rainfall linked to climate change have made urban flooding a recurring challenge. He said the state government is working on sustainable measures and a comprehensive plan to mitigate the problem.
“Our government is committed to adopting long-term measures to tackle this issue and we’re working on a comprehensive plan to find a solution to it,” the chief minister said.
As part of the initiative, the Assam government has proposed a GIS-based Storm Water Drainage and Urban Flood Management Project worth Rs 1,459 crore aimed at modernising the city’s drainage infrastructure and improving flood management capacity during heavy rainfall.
Under the proposed project, Rs 500.95 crore has been earmarked for the Bahini Basin Project, while Rs 958.10 crore has been allocated for the Bharalu Basin Project to improve drainage efficiency and regulate water flow in flood-prone areas.
The project also includes the installation of an automated pumping station at Bharalumukh, development of smart RCC drainage infrastructure and river rejuvenation measures as part of the broader urban flood management plan.
Sarma said the government’s objective is to build a “flood-free Guwahati” through scientific planning, modern technology and advanced urban flood management systems.