Guwahati: Housing and urban affairs minister Kaushik Rai conducted an inspection of drainage systems in several artificial flood-prone localities across the city on Sunday. He also reviewed the ongoing Silsako restoration and flood management works, along with other drainage projects.
Silsako Beel Revival Near Completion
Rai stated that one of Guwahati's most significant anti-waterlogging initiatives, the revival of Silsako Beel, is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by the next season. The restoration project gained importance after a large-scale eviction exercise was carried out in the wetland area over the last three years to revive its natural capacity to retain and channel excess water.
The minister emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the progress of the work to ensure effective execution and completion within the stipulated time frame. He recently held a review meeting with officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Rai added that rejuvenating Silsako Beel remains a key component of efforts to strengthen Guwahati's drainage network and minimize instances of artificial flooding. However, he acknowledged that resolving the city's waterlogging problems would require long-term and sustained intervention. The government remains committed to gradually freeing Guwahati from recurrent floods through coordinated planning, infrastructure development, and regular monitoring.
On Friday, the minister inspected the Bahini River, drainage facilities, and vulnerable areas such as Juripar, Six Mile, and Borbari. Officials briefed him on the status of ongoing works and preparations ahead of the rainy season. Bahini is one of the five river channels in the city that handles storm water runoff during the monsoon.
Maintenance and Public Cooperation
Rai stressed the need for proper upkeep of drainage channels, noting that clogged drains and inadequate maintenance continue to aggravate waterlogging during heavy showers. He underlined the importance of regular cleaning and effective waste disposal to ensure uninterrupted water flow.
The minister also pointed to storm water flowing from Meghalaya to Guwahati during the monsoon as a persistent challenge. While immediate efforts focus on improving existing drainage systems, the government will also examine long-term measures to tackle upstream runoff. He appealed to the public to contribute by keeping drains and public areas free from waste.
