Guwahati water logging: More than Rs 216 crore spent to tackle issue

Guwahati, Jul 19: Assam government today said it has spent over Rs 216 crore since 2001 to solve the perennial water logging problem in Guwahati.

Replying to a discussion after the issue was raised by AGP MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Guwahati Development Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Rs 216.30 crore have been spent on various activities to prevent water logging problem in the city.

However, there has been no fruitful result so far despite best efforts by the administration, he added. Incidentally large areas and almost all the main roads of the city experienced massive water logging today due to heavy rains since morning.

Sarma said the government is working on some measures such as increasing the water bodies' capacities, constructing new drains and proper disposition of waste.

"We hope in the next 2-3 years, we will see some good results." He said the administration has taken steps to install 9,610 street lamps across the city, of which 9,100 have already completed. The minister also informed the House that the state government has received Rs 366.51 crore under the JNNURM scheme so far.

PTI