SC notice on USTM validates flood link; this year's NEET results will surface Ajmal Foundation’s truth: Himanta

In a pointed response to earlier criticism, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the Supreme Court’s notice regarding the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has vindicated his earlier claims linking the institution to Guwahati’s flood woes.

Addressing the media, CM Sarma stated, “When I talked about USTM, many people laughed at me and said I was bluffing because flood water cannot be stopped. But today, the Supreme Court has issued a notice in this matter. That itself proves that there is substance in what I said.”

The Chief Minister recalled how his remarks on USTM’s possible role in obstructing natural water channels contributing to Guwahati’s urban flooding were earlier dismissed by sections of the media and political opponents. He said he had raised the matter with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya at the time, and although there was no formal denial, his concerns were ridiculed locally.

“That day, when I pointed this to the CM of Meghalaya, he could not say ‘no’ to me. Yet, people here laughed and dismissed it,” Sarma said.

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He emphasized that the Supreme Court has now issued notices not only to the Assam and Meghalaya governments but also to its own expert committee, thereby initiating a judicial inquiry into the matter. While he did not elaborate on the content of the petition that prompted the notice, Sarma said the development marks the beginning of scrutiny into institutions and individuals long shrouded in controversy.

“With the release of medical results this time, you will see even better news… All the stories that have been circulating about Ajmal Foundation and others for so many days—you will understand where they actually stand,” he added, hinting at more revelations in the near future.

The Supreme Court’s notice comes amid growing concerns over Guwahati’s perennial urban flooding, which has often been attributed to encroachments, blocked drains, and unchecked development. CM Sarma’s latest remarks signal a shift in tone, directly linking specific institutions to the issue and calling for accountability beyond administrative failures.

The case, following the apex court’s notice, is likely to prompt further inter-state deliberations and environmental scrutiny concerning cross-border institutional expansions and their impact on sensitive ecological zones.

Further developments are expected when the Supreme Court hears the matter in the coming days.