Guwahati, the vibrant capital city of Assam, is plagued by persistent waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season. This perennial issue disrupts daily life, damages property, and poses severe health risks. Despite being a prominent urban center, Guwahati struggles with infrastructural shortcomings, rapid and unplanned urbanization, and underutilization of its natural rivers. Addressing these root causes and implementing effective solutions are critical to alleviating this persistent problem.

Affected Localities

Waterlogging affects numerous areas across Guwahati, including:

Zoo Road: A vital commercial and residential area often plagued by severe waterlogging, disrupting traffic and local businesses.

Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar: These densely populated neighbourhoods are notorious for chronic waterlogging, severely affecting residents' mobility and daily activities.

GS Road: As a major arterial road, GS Road frequently suffers from waterlogged sections, leading to significant traffic congestion.

Chandmari: Known for its residential complexes and educational institutions, Chandmari experiences regular waterlogging, causing inconvenience to students and residents.

R.G. Baruah Road: This key thoroughfare often sees water accumulation, impacting both vehicular movement and pedestrian safety.

In addition, every year, new areas are being added in Guwahati that experiences the brunt of flash floods and waterlogging, which are – Satgaon, Panjabari, Beltola, and Maligaon.

Causes of Waterlogging

Inadequate Drainage System: Guwahati’s drainage infrastructure is outdated and insufficient, unable to handle the heavy monsoon rains effectively.

Rapid Urbanization and Unplanned Construction: Unplanned and rapid urban development has led to the encroachment of natural water bodies and drainage channels, significantly reducing the city's capacity to manage rainwater.

Topographical Challenges: Guwahati’s hilly terrain contributes to rapid runoff into low-lying areas, leading to waterlogging.

Clogged Drains: Poor maintenance and blockages caused by garbage, silt, and debris exacerbate the problem.

Lack of Government Initiatives: Despite repeated flooding, there has been a noticeable lack of comprehensive and effective government action to address the root causes of waterlogging. Delays in infrastructure projects, insufficient maintenance of existing systems, and inadequate urban planning worsen the issue.

Underutilized Natural Rivers: The city's natural rivers, such as the Bharalu, Basistha, and Mora Bharalu, could play a crucial role in managing rainwater and preventing waterlogging but are not effectively utilized.

The Potential of Natural Rivers

Guwahati is crisscrossed by several natural rivers, which, if properly managed, could significantly alleviate the waterlogging problem:

Bharalu River: Flowing through the heart of Guwahati, the Bharalu River has the potential to be a major drainage channel for the city. However, its current state of neglect, with pollution and encroachment issues, limits its effectiveness.

Basistha River: This river could serve as a natural drainage conduit, helping to channel excess rainwater away from residential and commercial areas.

Mora Bharalu: Another vital waterway, the Mora Bharalu, can play a significant role in mitigating waterlogging if restored and maintained properly.

Impact on Residents

Health Risks: Stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Waterlogging also increases the risk of waterborne diseases.

Property Damage: Constant waterlogging damages homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leading to financial losses and expensive repairs.

Traffic Disruption: Flooded streets cause severe traffic jams and accidents, making it difficult for residents to commute and affecting emergency services.

Economic Impact: Businesses suffer due to decreased customer footfall and disruptions in the supply chain, leading to economic losses.

Daily Inconvenience: Waterlogged roads and pathways make it challenging for people to move around, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Mitigation Measures

Comprehensive Government Initiatives: The government must prioritize and implement comprehensive flood management plans. This includes upgrading and expanding drainage infrastructure, enforcing urban planning regulations, and ensuring timely maintenance of existing systems.

Regulated Urban Development: Implementing stringent regulations on urban development to prevent encroachment on natural drainage channels and wetlands is crucial. Ensuring that new constructions comply with environmental and planning standards will help mitigate waterlogging.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating residents about the importance of not dumping garbage in drains and encouraging community participation in keeping drains clean can significantly reduce blockages.

Restoration Projects: Initiating comprehensive restoration projects for the Bharalu, Basistha, and Mora Bharalu rivers to clean and clear them of pollutants and encroachments.

Integrated Water Management: Developing an integrated water management plan that includes the natural rivers as key components of the city's drainage infrastructure.

Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting can help reduce the burden on drainage systems by capturing and utilizing rainwater.

Regular Maintenance: Establishing a regular maintenance schedule for rivers and drainage channels to prevent blockages and ensure smooth water flow.

Emergency Response Plans: Developing a robust emergency response system to deal with waterlogging, including quick evacuation plans and relief measures, can mitigate the impact on residents.

Conclusion

The persistent waterlogging in Guwahati is a complex issue that demands immediate and concerted efforts from both the government and the community. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including upgrading infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, restoring natural rivers, and fostering community involvement. By implementing comprehensive and sustainable solutions, Guwahati can overcome this perennial challenge and ensure a better quality of life for its residents. This approach not only promises a safer, more resilient future for the city but also contributes to its overall growth and environmental health.