Guwahati's Urban Flooding: Engineering Flaws and Community Concerns

Guwahati Faces Persistent Urban Flooding

Guwahati, Aug 17: Assam is currently dealing with ongoing urban flooding this monsoon season, raising alarms about potential road engineering issues that may have worsened the situation, resulting in several neighborhoods remaining underwater long after the rain has subsided.

A recent investigation by an engineering firm into the waterlogging issues at Jorabat and Ninth Mile in Guwahati has revealed significant flaws in the road design and drainage systems along the highway. Experts from various technical institutes have pointed out that both locations are naturally bowl-shaped and lack sufficient cross-drainage systems to effectively manage stormwater runoff.

At Jorabat, the construction of a flyover may have exacerbated the issue by lowering the carriageway, thus deepening the natural depression. The study highlighted critical inadequacies in the road profile and drainage provisions.

The Jorabat area relies on a single culvert for drainage, which poses a risk due to the lack of backup systems. Meanwhile, at Ninth Mile, the culvert's capacity is limited to approximately three square meters, which experts deem insufficient for handling stormwater during peak inflow periods.

Rapid urban development along the highway has further complicated drainage issues, while increased rainfall intensity has overwhelmed existing systems.

The study also noted that urbanization has led to a significant rise in solid waste entering the drainage network, adding strain to a system that was not designed for such volumes.

“This waste clogs the small drainage openings, and each flooding event leads to more debris accumulation, resulting in progressively reduced capacity for stormwater evacuation,” the study indicated.

This pro bono research was recently submitted to the Meghalaya government by the West Bengal-based firm.

Concerns extend beyond Guwahati, as residents in Sivasagar have voiced similar frustrations regarding road construction and drainage systems, with some areas remaining flooded for nearly a month despite reduced rainfall.

In Ward No. 3, locals reported that homes were inundated for over three weeks. During the peak flooding on July 24, some residences were submerged under nearly 2.5 to 3 feet of water.

“We have lived here for 50 years, but we have never seen such severe flooding or water lingering for so long,” stated Nasiman Zaman, whose family had to relocate to a relative's home on July 20 after their two-story house was waterlogged.

A former Geography lecturer at JB College, Zaman claimed that existing drainage channels were either blocked or ineffective, particularly following the construction of a four-lane highway located about 200 meters from the affected area.

“The new highway was elevated by about 2.5-3 feet. In a two-kilometer stretch adjacent to the area, there are only three small culverts, which cannot adequately drain water from the residential zones. The gradient of the drains and culverts also seems to be flawed,” he explained.

Nearby, Betbari (Demow) has also been severely impacted, with residents noting that while flooding has occurred in the past, water typically receded quickly.

“We experienced flooding in 1988, but the water level was only about a foot. This time, it just wouldn’t go away,” remarked Ratul Gogoi, a Betbari resident.

Gogoi noted that water used to flow out even when it overtopped the highway, but the elevation of the road and the installation of only two small culverts have significantly hindered floodwater movement.

Residents in Jorhat and Dergaon have also reported similar issues, as numerous urban areas in these towns faced severe and prolonged waterlogging this year.

These recurring complaints raise a critical question: Are road projects intended to enhance connectivity inadvertently obstructing natural drainage systems?