Is corruption the reason behind Guwahati’s flood woes?

Guwahati, July 21: Guwahati-the gateway to northeast India-looked like a marooned island since Monday, July 18. The entire state of Assam is reeling under several floods, however, the situation in Guwahati has become a matter of concern for all.

Most of the localities in the city remained deep under water for three days in a row. Life came to a standstill as commuters waded through flooded roads to reach their schools and offices. The local television channels in Guwahati showed how in many areas boats were used to rescue people from their flooded homes.

The needle of suspicion for the deteriorating condition of Guwahati points to the previous Congress regime.

Replying to a question by AGP legislator from Gauhati West, Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Guwahati development department minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the Assembly on Tuesday, that from 2001 to 2016, the state government had spent Rs 216.3 crore in tackling flash floods.

Of that amount, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority spent Rs 7,432 lakh, Guwahati Municipal Corporation spent Rs 2,608.07 lakh, water resources department utilised Rs 9,313.58 lakh while the public works department (road division) utilised Rs 2,279.97 lakh.

Now the question is why in spite of spending so much money, the condition of the city has only worsened?

A political commentator from Guwahati told OneIndia, "It is a clear case of misuse of public funds. The previous Congress regime which ruled the state for 15 years in a row needs to give an explanation to the people of Guwahati. However, the ruling BJP government should not use the matter to score political points."

Experts doubt the money could have been misused by contractors, bureaucrats and politicians.

The daily flood bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Tuesday, said: "Incessant rain this morning inundated GS Road, Kahilipara, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar and Zoo Road and Rajgarh Road also saw partial inundation."

The flood situation in the rest of the state continues to be grim. Sources in ASDMA said 229 villages have been submerged in Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Morigaon, Jorhat, Dhemaji and Sivasagar districts.

Heavy rainfall across Assam has resulted in flooding of several areas, affecting about 1.75 lakh people in six districts. Helicopters and boats have been pressed into service to evacuate people marooned in the waterlogged streets of the state.

"About 6,017 people have taken shelter in 29 relief camps in Golaghat, Jorhat, Dhemaji and Sivasagar districts," added the flood bulletin.

OneIndia News