Uncontrolled development in Meghalaya's Jorabat-USTM belt threatens Guwahati: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 24 expressed concern over the possibility of landslides and flooding along the Assam-Meghalaya border, warning that unchecked development in Meghalaya's Jorabat-USTM region could pose a serious threat to Guwahati.

Speaking to reporters in Dispur, Sarma said a Supreme Court-appointed committee had already examined the issue and submitted a "very devastating report" on the environmental risks.

"This matter has been examined by the Supreme Court-constituted committee, and they have given a very devastating report, stating that the development in Jorabat, particularly in USTM and the surrounding area, will pose a huge threat to Guwahati," the chief minister said.

Appealing to the Meghalaya government to take the issue seriously, Sarma said the environmental impact of rapid development across the border must be considered.

"I think the Meghalaya Government has to take sympathetic consideration regarding the impact on Assam. I'll only appeal to the Meghalaya Government to see how development in and around Jorabat can be controlled," he said.

The chief minister warned that Guwahati could become increasingly vulnerable if construction activities continue unchecked.

"Otherwise, Guwahati will become an unmanageable city. It will be very difficult. We will not be able to keep Guwahati intact because the kind of water that comes down cannot be managed by any kind of drainage system," he said.

Sarma added that he is in touch with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on the matter and said the issue remains pending before the Supreme Court.

"I am talking to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. The Supreme Court is seized of the matter. Any day, the matter will come up for hearing, and we will argue before the Supreme Court," he said.