Guwahati on Alert as IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain; Flood Preparedness Reviewed
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the city's preparedness for potential flooding and landslides.
The meeting focused on the operational readiness of pumping systems and the progress of desilting major drains across the city.
Dr Kota issued strict directives to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to ensure the round-the-clock deployment of super suckers and machinery to tackle waterlogging.
Special attention was given to over 300 locations identified as landslide-prone zones.
These areas are currently under close surveillance, and the administration has intensified public awareness initiatives to alert residents in vulnerable pockets.
The Chief Secretary further directed officials to secure open manholes and install barricades at high-risk locations to prevent accidents during inundation.
Key drainage systems, including the Bharalu, Bahini, and Silsaku channels, along with cross-drainage structures near the National Highway at Jalukbari and Maligaon, were also reviewed for blockages.
The Guwahati City Traffic Police have been placed on alert to activate alternative traffic management plans in the event of congestion.
Citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid waterlogged areas, and stay away from open drains and landslide-vulnerable zones during the anticipated downpour on April 26 and 27.
The meeting was attended by the Special Chief Secretary (DOHUA), Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management), and the Commissioner of Police, among other senior representatives.
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