GUWAHATI, June 4 � Incessant rains since last night inundated large parts of the city from the early hours of the morning. Rainwater covered roads and low-lying areas for more than six hours at several places.
Within hours of the rains, arterial routes of the city were submerged by rainwater. Both the GNB Road and RG Baruah Road endured water logging. At some stretches the roads remained under water till the office opening hours causing misery to both pedestrians and those on vehicles.
Stranded people had to waste precious time seeking transport. Nripen Das, a local businessman said that he had to wait almost an hour before he could hail a rickshaw on the RG Baruah road. �And the rickshaw puller charged me an exorbitant fare,� he said.
Traffic snarls also took place on certain points, including the Ganeshguri intersection.
Mercifully for commuters, the GS Road did not witness major water logging and was open to traffic.
Certain parts of Rupnagar and Chilari Nagar witnessed water logging in the morning. Schoolchildren in the locality had a tough time wading through the filth after the water from the drains inundated streets.
According to local residents a pump set at Anil Nagar did not work in the morning, which caused concern in the locality.
Guwahati received a total amount of 193.7 mm of rainfall since June 1, and during the 24 hours preceding 8.30 am today it received 113.8 mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, the regional Met Centre here predicted likelihood of rain or thundershowers over the city during the next 24 hours.
It has also warned of heavy to very heavy rains at one or two places over the NE region in the next 48 hours.
Facing serious criticism, the authorities concerned have made plans to respond to the developing situation. According to well-placed sources in the District Administration, the PWD, GMC, Water Resources Department and GMDA have all been asked to take action to reduce the threat of urban floods. �These departments have specified tasks to ensure that the impact of rains are reduced,� said a senior official.
The Assam Tribune has further learned that plans are afoot to build some new drains in select localities of the city.
According to sources, instructions have been given to government departments to check illegal constructions, which obstruct the flow of storm water. Evictions have taken place in a few parts of Guwahati.
Meanwhile, the Kamrup District (Metro) Administration has raised its preparedness to respond to urban flooding as the monsoons set in. The NDRF with their equipment is ready to respond, and boats and inflatable rafts have also been kept ready.
