Assam officials launch emergency desiltation to tackle Guwahati waterlogging

After heavy rain on July 12 caused widespread waterlogging in Guwahati, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai inspected drainage channels in Maligaon, Chariali, Jatia and Kahilipara. He said the drains had been cleaned before the downpour, but runoff from nearby hills deposited silt that clogged sections of the network, slowing water discharge. The government ordered the Public Works Department to carry out desiltation immediately after each major rainfall and to ensure removed silt is promptly cleared. Officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and the PWD joined the inspection, with further field visits planned.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority issued a rain alert warning of thunderstorms, moderate to heavy showers across Guwahati and other districts. It cautioned that the weather could trigger waterlogging, flash floods and landslides, urging residents to stay vigilant, limit travel and follow updates from the India Meteorological Department. Emergency response teams remain on alert.