Assam CM Himanta Strongly Criticizes Meghalaya Uni for Guwahati Flash Floods, Plans Urgent Talks with CM Sangma
Assam CM Accuses Meghalaya University of Causing Guwahati Floods
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), a private institution, is responsible for exacerbating recent flooding in Guwahati due to its construction activities. Sarma claims that the university’s demolition of hills to build new structures has led to significant waterlogging in the Assam capital.
Torrential rains have lashed Guwahati since Monday, causing severe flooding that has affected thousands, forcing residents to remain indoors. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Sarma pointed fingers at USTM, stating that the clearance of hills for a new medical college is "one of the reasons" behind the waterlogging. He called out Mahbubul Hoque, USTM’s founder, accusing him of initiating what he termed "flood jihad."
USTM is situated in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district, near Guwahati, and is home to a large percentage of staff and students from Assam. The heavy rains caused water to accumulate in areas around USTM, such as Jorabat, leading to waist-deep flooding on streets.
Sarma emphasized that Assam would address flooding caused by local rain but insisted that USTM’s activities contributed to worsening conditions. He mentioned that letters have already been exchanged with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, and a meeting was scheduled to discuss the issue. However, he clarified that USTM is "one of the reasons" for the floods, not the sole cause, citing local construction on drains as another contributing factor.
In response to the flood management criticism, Sarma defended his administration, noting that water from Meghalaya was adding to Guwahati’s inundation problems. The Gauhati High Court has directed the state government to permanently address the waterlogging issue and submit a detailed mitigation plan by August 19.
As flooding continues to disrupt life in Guwahati, educational institutions remain closed, and roads are inundated, causing significant inconvenience for residents, including office-goers, school children, and emergency services.
Original Story https://news.abplive.com/states/northeast/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-blames-meghalaya-university-guwahati-flash-floods-1709207
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