Guwahati, June 2: In a significant step towards addressing the perennial issue of urban flooding in Guwahati, the biggest city of Assam, the Chief Minister-level consultation between Meghalaya and Assam on Monday concluded with a joint decision to commission a detailed satellite imaging study by the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC).
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, following discussions with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma and their respective delegations, confirmed that NESAC will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive study. This will involve satellite imaging of forest areas, water flow, and areas prone to waterlogging, with a report expected within three months.
“We have decided to approach NESAC to do a detailed study in terms of the entire satellite imaging, whether it is of the different forest area, whether it’s different water flowing, whether it’s different areas of water logging,” Chief Minister Sangma stated. He added that once this analysis is complete, agencies like IIT Roorkee will be approached to translate the findings into concrete, actionable steps beneficial for both states.
Acknowledging the severe impact of floods in Guwahati, he also expressed Meghalaya’s concerns regarding the economic and livelihood activities of its own populace in areas that might be affected by flood mitigation efforts.
The collaboration between the two states aims to minimize flood impact in Guwahati while simultaneously addressing the concerns of Meghalaya’s citizens.
The Meghalaya delegation included Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, and other officials. The Assam team comprised Chief Minister Sarma, cabinet ministers, and other officials.
