Himanta Biswa Sarma flags drainage woes behind artificial floods in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has acknowledged that rapid urban development without adequate drainage planning is contributing to recurring instances of artificial flooding in key cities across the state.
 

Addressing the issue, the chief minister questioned the direction of water flow, “If there is vacant land somewhere, water can go till there. But if a building comes up two days later, where will the water go?"

On artificial floods, CM Sarma stated, "As development progresses, the issue of artificial floods will keep coming up.”

He emphasised the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure, noting that the current systems are unable to cope with the pace of urban expansion. “We will have to make better drainage. There would be another issue - how far would the drainage take away water?” he added.

The chief minister pointed that the problem is particularly prevalent in Guwahati, with similar concerns emerging in Dibrugarh and Silchar. He stated that while development is essential, it must be accompanied by sustainable urban planning to prevent repeated flooding.

“We will have to come up with drainage and resolve this,” Sarma concluded.

During the day, CM Himanta paid a visit to a relief camp in flood-hit Sribhumi district and took stock of the situation.