HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 1: Minister for the Department of Housing & Urban Affairs (DoHUA), Jayanta Mallabaruah, on Sunday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the Kamrup (Metro) District Administration, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), and other concerned departments to assess the ongoing relief measures and enhance preparedness for artificial flooding caused by incessant rainfall in Guwahati.
Held at the Office of the District Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro), Hengrabari, the meeting focused on immediate response protocols, distribution of essential relief materials, and streamlining coordination among departments to ensure timely assistance to flood-affected citizens.
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“Ensuring timely delivery of relief materials is our top priority,” the Minister told the media after the meeting. “Items such as mosquito repellents, candles, sanitary napkins, and baby food are being prioritized for quick distribution in areas hit by waterlogging and power outages.”
He further stated that “relief materials will now be pre-positioned in elevated spots across flood-prone zones so that they can reach affected families within 2 to 3 hours of flooding.” Acknowledging logistical challenges faced in the past, he assured that “corrective steps are already underway and we are learning from every situation to improve future responses.”
To strengthen local response capacity, each GMC ward commissioner has been directed to appoint 10 volunteers designated as “Nagar Bandhus” or “Apada Mitra ( Disaster Friends ).” These volunteers will be equipped with raincoats and other essentials and will work alongside ward-level disaster response teams, Gao-Burhas, and Mandals during emergencies.
“In large or difficult to reach areas, these volunteers will be our first responders, bridging the gap between citizens and authorities,” the Minister added.
Another major decision announced was the disbursement of an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the five individuals who tragically lost their lives in the recent floods. The Minister also issued instructions to keep JCBs and other machinery ready in areas vulnerable to landslides, such as lens light zones, for prompt debris clearance.
To address post-flood issues, the Minister directed that drains be cleaned thoroughly after water recedes, as accumulated silt significantly reduces drainage efficiency. Special Public Committees, comprising ward commissioners, local residents and officials, have been formed to monitor and ensure accountability in drain-cleaning and emergency flood response.
“We remain fully committed to both immediate relief and long-term mitigation efforts. Together with all departments and local bodies, we are moving forward with a coordinated disaster management strategy to make Guwahati safer and more resilient,” Baruah stated.
GMC Mayor Mirgen Sarania, District Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) Sumit Sattawan, GMC councillors, senior officials from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and officers from various concerned departments were present during the meeting.
