Assam Government Raises Alarm Over Development Threatening Guwahati

The Assam government has raised alarms about the dangers posed by unchecked development in Jorabat, which is exacerbating flooding and landslides in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the connection between these issues and development activities across the border in Meghalaya. He urged the neighboring state to regulate development to prevent further risks to Guwahati, including threats to the local airport. While addressing the media, Sarma emphasized the need for immediate relief efforts for flood-affected residents, noting that the situation in Upper Assam is even more dire than urban flooding in Guwahati. The matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 17:58 IST

Concerns Over Unchecked Development

A file image of flood in Jorabat. (AT Photo)

Guwahati, July 24: The Assam administration has issued a warning regarding the dangers posed by uncontrolled development and hill-cutting in the Jorabat area, indicating that these activities are exacerbating landslides and urban flooding, potentially rendering Guwahati "unmanageable."

During a press briefing at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma discussed the state's flood response after meeting with senior officials. He noted that the issue is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, which will review findings from a committee appointed by the court.

"The Supreme Court-formed committee has delivered a concerning report, highlighting that development in Jorabat, especially around USTM and adjacent areas, poses a significant threat to Guwahati," Sarma stated.

He explained that the committee's findings link the flooding and waterlogging in Guwahati to development activities occurring on the Meghalaya side of the border.

"The challenges faced by Guwahati today stem from the development in and around Jorabat. USTM is merely the visible aspect; the more severe issues arise from extensive hill destruction behind USTM," he elaborated.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is increasingly at risk due to runoff from Meghalaya's hilltops.

"The Meghalaya government has halted certain activities in Byrnihat due to pollution concerns. I urge them to consider the repercussions on Assam," he added.

Sarma called on the neighboring state to manage development near Jorabat, warning that the existing drainage systems would be overwhelmed by the volume of water if hill destruction continues.

"I appeal to the Meghalaya government to find ways to regulate development in and around Jorabat. If not, Guwahati will become unmanageable. The volume of water flowing down cannot be managed by any drainage system," he cautioned.

He mentioned that he has been in communication with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma regarding this issue, but acknowledged that Meghalaya has its own development needs.

"They argue that they also require development and question why only Assam should progress. I prefer not to delve into that, as the matter is before the Supreme Court," he remarked.

Characterizing the situation as a geographical challenge, Sarma noted that Assam, being a low-lying state, inevitably suffers the consequences of development in neighboring hilly regions.

"These are the contradictions we face. Assam is a plain state, and the effects of development in other states will ultimately impact us here," he stated.

Regarding the persistent flooding in Guwahati, Sarma acknowledged that while some areas experience annual waterlogging, this year's heavy rainfall has intensified the situation.

However, he emphasized that the urban flooding in Guwahati pales in comparison to the devastation occurring in Upper Assam.

"If one examines Sivasagar and Charaideo, the focus shifts away from Guwahati. The conditions in Upper Assam are far more catastrophic than the urban floods," he concluded.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government's immediate focus remains on providing relief and rehabilitation for those affected by the floods across the state.