GUWAHATI, March 7 � The district administration has decided to undertake a slew of measures to mitigate the perennial problems of the capital city like artificial waterlogging, encroachment, etc. In a review meeting that was presided over by Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) Ashutosh Agnihotri today, the different schemes adopted for the gateway to the North East were assessed and it was felt that public support was also very essential to ensure the success of these schemes.
It needs to be mentioned here that the civic problems in the capital city have been compounding every day, the problem of waterlogging emerging as a major issue for the Guwahatians. A smart downpour is enough to throw life out of gear in the city. Clogged drains and encroachment on natural water reservoirs have made matters worse compelling the citizens to gear up for the monsoons to tackle the artificial flooding.
In the backdrop of such a situation, the district administration has decided to stringently implement the Guwahati Waterbodies Preservation and Conservation Act 2008 and has written to the GMDA and GMC to end permission to construct buildings in areas within/vicinity of natural reservoirs.
�We have noticed several permanent constructions in violation of the Act. Although the district administration has been conducting regular eviction, it has not helped because permission for construction of buildings is given by GMC and GMDA. This has augmented the problem of waterlogging,� said an official.
According to the official, cleaning and desiltation of drains and rivers is going on, and about 35 percent of cleaning of Bharalu and 52 percent cleaning of Bahini has been completed so far.
On the other hand, the review meet also decided to remove the Borsola fish market.
The meet further decided to take action against those citizens who fail to dispose garbage at the allocated points in the city.
�The public has to cooperate with the administration to mitigate the problems of their own city. If they keep throwing things in the drains just cleaned, the problem of water logging will never be addressed,� said the official.
