Can Guwahati ever become flood-free? That was one of the key questions addressed by Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah in the latest episode of Guwahati Connection, where he spoke at length about the city’s recurring urban floods, water supply challenges, garbage management, and long-term development plans.
In the conversation, the minister outlined both the difficulties and the vision for transforming Guwahati into a more resilient and better-managed urban centre.
Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, in a new episode of Guwahati Connection, discussed Guwahati’s recurring urban floods, water supply issues, garbage management challenges, and future plans including an urban forest. He also addressed public criticism, social media trolling, and his professional and personal associations within Assam’s political and cultural landscape.
Flooding: A Persistent Urban Challenge
Urban flooding remains one of Guwahati’s most pressing issues.
Every monsoon, areas such as Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Zoo Road, and Rukminigaon experience waterlogging, disrupting daily life and traffic movement.
Mallabaruah acknowledged the structural and geographical complexities of the city, which is surrounded by hills and interspersed with wetlands. Rapid urbanisation and unplanned construction have further complicated drainage systems.
He emphasised that flood mitigation requires a combination of:
- Drainage network upgrades
- Protection of wetlands
- Strict enforcement against hill cutting
- Improved stormwater management
Water Supply And Waste Management
The minister also spoke about the city’s water supply gaps.
While new projects have expanded piped water networks, distribution consistency remains a concern in several localities. He indicated that efforts are ongoing to streamline supply systems and improve coverage.
On garbage management, he addressed criticism regarding open dumping and inefficient segregation.
With the city generating increasing volumes of solid waste, authorities are working toward improved segregation, monitoring, and long-term waste processing systems.
The Urban Forest Plan
Mallabaruah discussed plans to develop an urban forest as part of Guwahati’s environmental sustainability vision.
The idea aims to:
- Increase green cover
- Improve air quality
- Enhance biodiversity within city limits
- Create recreational green spaces
Such initiatives, he suggested, are essential as Guwahati expands both demographically and geographically.
Responding To Criticism And Social Media Trolling
The minister also reflected on the scrutiny faced by public representatives in the digital age.
He acknowledged social media criticism and trolling but maintained that public accountability remains part of governance.
He suggested that long-term infrastructure reforms often take time and may not yield immediate visible results, especially in complex urban systems.
Personal Insights: Zubeen Garg And Working With Himanta Biswa Sarma
Beyond policy matters, Mallabaruah spoke about his relationship with singer Zubeen Garg and shared insights into his working dynamic with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He described governance as a collaborative process, requiring coordination across departments to address Guwahati’s multi-layered urban challenges.
Can Guwahati Become Flood-Free?
While no definitive timeline was provided, the minister indicated that making Guwahati flood-resilient will depend on sustained infrastructure upgrades, environmental protection, and citizen cooperation.
Urban experts note that complete flood elimination may be unrealistic given the city’s terrain and rainfall intensity. However, effective planning can significantly reduce the severity and duration of waterlogging.
The broader message from the episode: Guwahati’s transformation will require long-term planning, institutional coordination, and public participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guwahati planning to become flood-free?
Authorities are working on drainage upgrades and environmental protection measures to reduce urban flooding, though complete elimination may be challenging due to geography and rainfall patterns.
What is the urban forest plan mentioned by the minister?
The proposed urban forest aims to increase green cover within Guwahati, improve air quality, and promote ecological balance as the city expands.
What other issues were discussed in the episode?
The minister addressed water supply challenges, garbage management reforms, public criticism on social media and his working relationship within the state’s political and cultural landscape.
