Gauhati High Court orders Assam government to address water logging issue

In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning persistent water logging in Guwahati during the monsoon season, the Guwahati High Court has directed the Assam government to file a detailed response within ten days. The order was issued by a bench comprising Honourable Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Honourable Justice Suman Shyam.

The court session included arguments from R. Dhar, counsel for the petitioner, who emphasized that the chronic water logging issue has not been properly addressed by the authorities for a significant time. Representing the state, D. Gogoi, Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, and N. Bordoloi, Standing Counsel for the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, were also present.

The court noted the absence of a filed response from the state authorities, which include 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.

Highlighting the widespread public impact of the issue, the court expects the respondents to detail the measures taken to mitigate water logging in the city. The next hearing is scheduled after ten days, by which time the state is required to submit their counter to the petition.

The ongoing issue of water logging in Guwahati has been a major concern for residents, disrupting daily life and posing health risks. The court's directive aims to ensure accountability and prompt action from the responsible authorities.