GUWAHATI, April 22 - Here is a new idea for solving the city�s vexed problem of flash flood in the Bharalu Basin. Flooding by the Bharalu can be effectively addressed by creating a polder, or reservoir along the Brahmaputra riverfront in the city between Kalipur-Kamakhya and Sukreswar points and encircling the existing natural cove. This is the observation made by city-based architect Rittick Hazarika.
The areas recovered through reclamation along the bank of the mighty river can be used to create a large reservoir, or polder for flood management of the Bharalu. This may also help in creation of a large area for riverfront development, said the architect.
He suggested that the Mahatma Gandhi Road may be realigned along this embankment creating a large promenade and riverfront development area. This will be a unique solution combining the creation of the Brahmaputra riverfront with a flood management feature for the Bharalu, he said.
This feature will enhance the capacity of the Bharalu and it will, in the long run, manage the overflow from Bharalu for 24 hours to 36 hours. This will effectively address the problem of rain-induced flash flood in the Bharalu Basin of the city. However, the embankment, or the polder created for the purpose, will not affect the channel width of the Brahmaputra as its width remains within the 1.1 km range between Kamakhya and Sukreswar, he maintained.
He asserted that the reclaimed area with the polder is within the natural cove created in the southern bank of the river.
