Guwahati: Minister Kaushik Rai reviews flood preparedness and drain desilting plans
The Housing and Urban Affairs Minister proposed a year-round Standard Operating Procedure for cleaning drains to address recurring urban flooding.
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai reviewed the preparedness of various agencies to address recurring urban flooding in Guwahati on Monday, according to The Assam Tribune. The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, focused on addressing existing shortcomings and necessary interventions ahead of the 2027 monsoon.
Rai proposed a year-round Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for the systematic cleaning and desilting of all drains across the city. The drains have been categorised into three priority groups with specific desilting schedules to ensure timely maintenance.
The Minister directed all concerned agencies to ensure time-bound execution of these interventions to create a flood-resilient city. He emphasised the need for coordinated action, accountability, and regular monitoring.
In a separate video conference with District Commissioners, Rai discussed the delimitation of existing Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and the constitution of new ULBs in eligible areas across Assam. He directed all District Commissioners to submit their proposals by November 10 for Cabinet consideration.
Rai also inaugurated a Static Refuse Transfer Station (RTS)-cum-Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Adabari, Guwahati. The facility has a processing capacity of 150 tonnes per day (TPD) for the RTS and 100 TPD for the MRF.
Additionally, the Minister launched the Swachhata Sakhi App at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra. He also attended an award ceremony where 175 Durga Puja committees were recognised for cleanliness efforts.