GUWAHATI, Sept 3 � Nabin Nagar Welfare Society, the apex body of around 25 welfare/namghar samities today demanded of the government for both short and long-term measures to resolve the perennial problem of artificial flooding in the capital city, particularly in areas like Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Tarun Nagar, Lachit Nagar, Pub Sarania etc.
The Society pointed out that the schemes undertaken to address the issue have not provided respite to the citizens; rather the problem has been compounded of late with even a slight downpour creating untold sufferings for the residents.
�The rainwater discharge and retaining capacity of the river Bharalu should be augmented on a war-footing by deepening and widening wherever possible in its course from the zero point to the sluice gate at Bharalukukh and beyond till the point meets the Brahmaputra,� suggested the Society, calling for diversion of the Meghalaya water as it creates havoc.
The Society said that the rainwater from Meghalaya and other places flowing through the Bahini river must be diverted to Bondajan via the Silsako Beel and finally to the Brahmaputra. �The Basistha river, having a wide catchment area in Meghalaya flows through the southern side of the city and leads towards the Deepor Beel. The proposed drain along the NH-37 from Koinadhara Hill area should be connected to Basistha near ISBT and then from Pamohi should be connected to Pachadhara Nadi, Umkha Nadi, Kalmoni Nadi and Bathanala and finally to river Kulsi,� recommended the Society.
The Society also suggested diversion of concentrated water from Karnachal Hills, Krishnanagar, Bamunimaidam and Jyotinagar areas to address the waterlogging issue.
On the other hand, the Society also called for proper surveys along all the foothills surrounding Guwahati and putting up of numerous big silt tanks/silt traps in and around the city for effective utilisation of the drainage system.