Kohima: The Gauhati High Court took up a case on August 26 regarding the Assam floods. Former legislator Debabrata Saikia filed a Public Interest Litigation blaming the disaster on human activity. He claims a man-made catastrophe claimed lives and displaced many citizens. Saikia points the finger at illegal riverbed mining in the Dikhou river and its tributaries.
The court heard arguments that authorities ignored previous directives. Saikia cited the government's failure to address coal mining in the Nagaland catchment area. He also flagged concerns over water releases from the Doyang Hydro-Electric Project in Wokha, Nagaland. Saikia described the situation as a "man-made catastrophe" during the proceedings.
The court issued notices to multiple parties. Respondents include the State of Assam, the State of Nagaland, the Union Government, and several agencies. The list covers the Central Water Commission, the Central Pollution Control Board, NEEPCO, and the NHPC. Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury lead the Division Bench. The court set November as the deadline for responses and scheduled the next hearing for November 3, 2026.
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