Assam CM Attributes Guwahati Floods to Illegal Construction in Jorabat Hills

Dispur, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday directly pointed to unchecked development in the Jorabat hills as a major reason behind Guwahati’s recurring flash floods, warning that the situation is fast becoming unmanageable.

Citing a Supreme Court-constituted empowered committee report, Sarma said the panel had flagged illegal construction activities in the Jorabat area — particularly around the USTM — as posing a “grave threat” to flood management and waterlogging in the Assam capital. He added that even Guwahati airport is under threat from water cascading down the hills.

“This matter is sub-judice and will be up for hearing in the apex court. The issue has been examined by the Supreme Court-constituted empowered committee, which has stated in its report that the development in Jorabat, particularly in USTM and the surrounding areas, pose a huge threat to Guwahati in regard to flash floods and waterlogging,” Sarma told media persons, referring to Thursday’s severe flooding after heavy rain.

He noted that the government has already halted development activity in the Byrnihat area over pollution concerns and now urged the neighbouring state to show the same “sympathetic consideration” for Jorabat.

“I will only appeal to the government to see how development in and around Jorabat can be controlled… otherwise the flood scene in Guwahati will be unmanageable, because the volume of water coming down from the hills cannot be resisted by any kind of drainage here,” the chief minister said. Sarma singled out construction on the backside of the USTM campus as “even more dangerous” and made it clear that Assam would press its case before the Supreme Court. He said he remains in touch with his counterpart on the issue but insisted that without restraint on hillside development, Guwahati cannot be protected.

The issue of flooding in Guwahati is not a new phenomenon. The city, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, has a history of waterlogging and flash floods, particularly during the monsoon season. The increased frequency and intensity of these floods have raised concerns among residents and officials alike. Over the years, rapid urbanization and unregulated construction in and around the city have exacerbated the situation, leading to a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate drainage systems and environmental degradation.

The Jorabat area, situated on the outskirts of Guwahati, has seen significant development in recent years, driven by both commercial and residential projects. This development has often occurred without proper environmental assessments or adherence to building regulations, leading to concerns about its impact on local ecosystems and water management systems. The USTM (University of Science and Technology, ) is one of the prominent institutions in the area, and its growth has contributed to the influx of construction activities in the vicinity.

The Supreme Court-constituted empowered committee’s report highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to flood management in Guwahati. It underscores the importance of sustainable development practices that take into account the geographical and environmental challenges of the region. The committee's findings serve as a reminder that unchecked construction can lead to dire consequences, not only for the immediate area but also for larger urban centers like Guwahati.

Chief Minister Sarma's remarks reflect a growing recognition among policymakers of the need to balance development with environmental sustainability. His call for restraint on hillside construction is an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of urban planning and disaster management. The chief minister's appeal to neighboring states for cooperation is also significant, as environmental issues often transcend state boundaries, necessitating collaborative efforts for effective solutions.

Moreover, the implications of the flooding extend beyond immediate physical damage. They pose threats to public health, disrupt local economies, and strain public infrastructure. The impact on transportation, particularly at the Guwahati airport, could have wider repercussions for the region's connectivity and economic activities. As a major gateway to the northeastern states of India, any disruption at the airport could have cascading effects on trade and tourism.

In light of these challenges, the Assam government has been urged to invest in robust flood management systems, including improved drainage infrastructure, better urban planning, and stricter enforcement of building regulations. This approach would not only mitigate the risks associated with flash floods but also enhance the overall resilience of the city against climate-related disasters.

The situation in Guwahati serves as a case study for other urban centers facing similar challenges due to rapid development and climate change. As cities across India grapple with the dual pressures of urbanization and environmental sustainability, the lessons learned from Guwahati's experiences could inform policies and practices in other regions. The need for a holistic approach to urban planning that prioritizes environmental health and community safety is becoming increasingly urgent in the face of global climate change.

In conclusion, the recent statements by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the flooding in Guwahati highlight the critical need for comprehensive flood management strategies and sustainable development practices. As the city continues to grow, it is imperative that all stakeholders, including government officials, urban planners, and local communities, work together to ensure that development does not come at the expense of environmental integrity and public safety. The ongoing discussions and legal proceedings surrounding the Jorabat hills will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of flood management and urban development in Guwahati and beyond.