GUWAHATI, Oct 18 � With a view to continue work during the dry season on measures to prevent artificial flooding, which is a serious problem in the city during the monsoon period, the Kamrup Metro district administration has started work on construction of a drain from Lalmati to ISBT along the National Highway-37.
Construction activity for the project started on Friday, stated an official communiqu�.
The drain will have a width of 4-5 metres and once completed the flow of rain water to natural waterbodies will increase manifold.
Senior officials from the district administration, besides from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Water Resources Department, Irrigation Department and ASEB visited the place to inspect the commencement of work on the project. A plan is being prepared to divert floodwater from Dispur and Hatigaon areas by means of this drain during the monsoon season.
Meanwhile, work has also been undertaken for a drain to take rain water to Deepor Beel via Pamohi, the district administration said.
It is noteworthy that the State Government has formed a six-member expert group to find a permanent solution to the problem of urban flooding in Guwahati. The group will submit its report within six months on long-term measures to be adopted for dealing with the issue.
MGVK Bhanu, principal secretary to the Chief Minister, had said last week that by March-April, the long-term plan would be prepared and added that it would take around five years to comprehensively implement the long-term measures if adequate funds are provided.
He had added that in the short and medium terms, a number of steps will be initiated for tackling the issue.
