Guwahati's Flood Management Initiative: ADB Approves Rs183 Crore Plan for Bahini Basin

Flood Management Plan Submission

Guwahati, June 26: The state government has proposed a flood management strategy worth Rs183 crore to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at addressing issues in the Bahini basin. The drainage system along the National Highway plays a crucial role in channeling water from the upper Bahini catchment to the Basistha river, which subsequently flows into the Pamohi river. After traveling approximately 6 kilometers, the Pamohi river merges with Deepor Beel, which eventually overflows into the Brahmaputra river. This drainage system also includes water diverted from the upper Meghalaya hills through a structure established in the 1990s.

Despite being operational, the diversion infrastructure is aging, with many components needing repairs. Additionally, several sections of the NH drain are too narrow, requiring expansion. Currently, the widths range from 1.2m to 1.5m, but the proposed width is 4.00m to prevent overflow during the monsoon. Trenchless technology will be utilized in areas where traditional open trench methods are not feasible.

Plans are underway to create a Bioremediation Facility for the drainage water flowing through the NH drain. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of drainage water during dry periods, addressing the deficiencies caused by the ineffective sewerage system in the Bahini catchment.

To combat soil erosion, drain sidewalls will be constructed in specific areas, particularly from Pibco Point to Hanuman Mandir over a distance of 2 kilometers. Following the lining work from Bahini to Beltola Bazar Road, a silt trap will be established at Beltola Market Road in Bahini. A mechanical screen will be installed before this silt trap to collect debris and solid waste, as outlined in the project proposal.

Improvements at Rukminigaon will focus on enhancing secondary and tertiary drains, excluding Patkai Path. Out of the total 36.17 kilometers of drains in the region, around 4.82 kilometers will undergo upgrades. This intervention aims to reinforce and re-section inadequate drains to boost flow capacity and hydraulic efficiency. Additionally, a new trunk drain measuring 0.54 kilometers will be constructed in Rukminigaon along Patkai Path, leading to the outfall at Bahini.

ADB has indicated that the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) will be revised to align with the final design, ensuring adherence to the recommended design measures. The updated IEE will be submitted to ADB for review, clearance, and disclosure before construction commences.