Shillong: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says development in the Jorabat hills is sinking Guwahati. Heavy rains on Thursday sparked severe flash floods and waterlogging across the city. The damage forced the state to look uphill for answers.
Sarma points directly to construction in Meghalaya. A Supreme Court-constituted empowered committee report backs his claim. The panel identified these activities, specifically around the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), as a danger to the capital. Water rushes down from the Meghalaya hills. No drainage system can hold that volume.
The threat is real. It puts the Guwahati airport at risk of inundation. Sarma highlighted that construction on the backside of the USTM campus is particularly dangerous. He warned that the city faces an unmanageable future if the projects continue unabated.
The Chief Minister remains in contact with his counterpart in Meghalaya. He noted that the neighboring state already halted work in Byrnihat due to pollution concerns. Now, he wants them to show similar restraint in the Jorabat area. Sarma stated, "This matter is sub-judice and will be up for hearing in the apex court."
The state intends to argue its case before the Supreme Court soon. Sarma insists Assam cannot remain intact without regulation on these hills. He is asking for a sympathetic view from the Meghalaya government to prevent further catastrophe.
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