GUWAHATI, Jan 18 - Guwahati Development Department Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today claimed that the artificial flood in the city would not last more than 24 hours in the coming rainy season.
�Last year, some affected areas remained submerged for more than two or three days. This year, we expect to reduce this ordeal of the Guwahatians substantially,� the minister said, adding, �If the citizens contribute in a proactive manner, we can further reduce the period to seven hours and gradually, do away with the problem itself.�
Sarma, while speaking at a workshop on rainwater harvesting organised by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) here, maintained that the Government is looking for more innovative and out-of-the-box ideas to solve the perennial problem of artificial flood in Guwahati.
�The problem of Guwahati is unique and complicated, and needs deft handling,� he pointed out.
Sarma further said that the Government is working hard to prevent further encroachment on hill areas and wetlands to mitigate the problem arising out of artificial flood.
�We are constructing new drains and the National Highways Authority of India, too, will soon construct a big drain to divert the water originating from Meghalaya to Basistha,� the minister pointed out.
On rainwater harvesting, the minister said that the GMDA should not allow any new building to be used for any purpose till they have a rainwater harvesting provision in place on the rooftop.
�In fact, government buildings in Guwahati should lead by example. If the existing 10,000 government structures opt for rainwater harvesting, it will motivate others to follow,� Sarma said.
The workshop was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary, GDD, MGVK Bhanu, Chief Executive Officer, GMDA, Varnali Deka, Guwahati Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sanjiv Gohain Baruah, Prof Kapil Gupta of IIT-Bombay and Prof Arup Sarma of IIT-Guwahati.