Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on the Meghalaya government to oversee construction activities in the Jorabat area near the Assam-Meghalaya border. He expressed concerns that uncontrolled hill cutting and urban expansion in this region could worsen flooding and landslides in Guwahati. Sarma highlighted the impact of extensive tree-cutting and construction around the University of Science and Technology in Meghalaya, attributing it to urban flooding in Guwahati.
Sarma emphasized that a Supreme Court-appointed committee had examined the environmental issues and warned about the potential risks posed by large-scale development in Jorabat. He urged the Meghalaya government to plan development in a way that safeguards downstream areas in Assam, stressing the need for environmental considerations. The Chief Minister cautioned that Guwahati’s drainage system might not handle the increased runoff from the hills if construction activities continue without proper environmental protection measures.
The ongoing dispute between the Assam government and the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya has led to allegations of artificial flooding and waterlogging in Guwahati during the monsoon. Sarma accused the institution of environmental violations, academic irregularities, and financial impropriety. A Central Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court found forest-related regulation violations in the project area and recommended environmental compensation, with the matter currently under judicial review.
Sarma disclosed that he has been in communication with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma regarding the issue, which is pending before the Supreme Court. He stressed the importance of addressing the impact of development near the border on Assam and highlighted the need for cooperation between the two states to manage the situation effectively.
