Shillong: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma blamed building projects in the Jorabat hills for the flash floods that submerged Guwahati on Thursday evening. A Supreme Court-appointed committee recently warned that ongoing construction, specifically near the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, creates a grave danger. Rainwater rushing down from the Meghalaya hills overwhelms city drains. This excess water now threatens critical infrastructure including the Guwahati airport.
Sarma told reporters that the situation remains dire. "This matter is sub-judice and will be up for hearing in the apex court," he said. The Chief Minister pointed to Meghalaya for previously halting work in Byrnihat due to pollution concerns. He now wants similar restraint near the Assam border. Sarma argued that without immediate controls on mountain development, Guwahati will remain helpless against the massive runoff.
The Chief Minister remains in contact with his Meghalaya counterpart. He plans to present these arguments during upcoming court hearings. He hopes officials in Meghalaya take a sympathetic view of the damage occurring downstream. For now, the city waits for the next storm while the case moves through the legal system.
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