One thunderstorm and Guwahati shows its naked truth

By- Correspondent| Date- October 22, 2011

Guwahati, the gateway to the North east has often been claimed by the locals as a future hot spot of trade and commerce in South East Asia when India’s look “East Policy” materializes. It is been claimed as one of the fastest growing city in the country and the locals are found to take pride in growing number of shopping malls, private colleges and posh restaurants. But as nature has its own rules, the people as well as the administration were once again reminded of the ground realities yesterday, with just two hours of strong shower.

Almost all places of the city were logged with flood waters, inundated with red mud bringing both traffic as well as life to a halt yesterday evening. Power went off in most parts of the city adding to the woes of the Guwahatians. The worst affected RG Baruah road, GNB road and Maniram Dewan road saw traffic coming to a standstill with vehicles unable to move and stuck in rising flood waters. Even localities such as Hatigaon and Beltola which usually does not see rain floods were flooded and roads blocked. People were stuck taking shelters at bus stands, shops and buildings while the situation grew worse at dark. Several people were reported to be injured while trying to walk across flood waters, stepping in pit-holes and due to low sightedness caused.

On the other hand, it has been learnt that the power cuts in the city as well as in various parts of Assam were due to the damage done in the 220 Kv Karbi Langpi – Sarusajai line due to the thunderstorms. However the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) technicians were quick to act and power was restored by night in most areas.

The picture depicted yesterday in Guwahati once again proved the futile claims of the Guwahati development Minister as well the administration regarding ability to tackle the increasing flood problem in the city. Besides, unplanned construction of houses, buildings at various localities of the city too have added to the floods, as the construction materials used often blocks up the drains and leads to floods. In addition, excessive digging of the hills, constructions initiated at several large water bodies has resulted in the natural imbalance.

It is to be mentioned that after the complete failure of Himanta Biswa Sharma as Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister who only seemed to be warming the chair of the department, it is now headed by none other than Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi himself.

If the hills and wetlands around Guwahati are not evicted from illegal settlers and constructions of real estate projects not stopped, problems such as artificial flash floods and landslides killing people after any small or big thunderstorm would continue to haunt the citizens of Guwahati. The environmental and Eco-system has to be maintained if Guwahati has to be developed into a green, clean and developed city with its issues of drainage and floods solved.

It is high time the Guwahati Master plan, often claimed and discussed about is actually well planned and implementation initiated. Strong public awareness programmes are strict enforcements of the administration in also a must, which unfortunately is largely lack as of date.