Guwahati is set to transform its infrastructure with the introduction of eco-blocks in the Rukminigaon and Chandmari areas. This initiative, announced by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, aims to address groundwater recharge and mitigate urban flooding. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will implement this pilot project, which features eco-blocks-permeable, brick-like structures designed to allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead of flowing into drainage systems. Mallabaruah explained that similar eco-blocks have been effectively utilized in Chennai to enhance groundwater levels, and now Assam is launching its own trial.
The minister highlighted that Rukminigaon and Chandmari frequently face severe waterlogging, with rainwater levels rising as high as six feet during heavy rains. The newly installed eco-blocks will be strategically placed in areas where water tends to collect, thus facilitating the absorption of clean rainwater into the soil. “If the results are favorable, we will consider expanding this initiative to other areas of the city,” he stated.
Guwahati’s unique geography, with its hilly surroundings and unplanned urban expansion, exacerbates flooding conditions as water from higher elevations drains into the city. To combat this, new drainage lines are being constructed to reroute excess water from vulnerable zones like Hatigaon and Wireless, with additional drainage systems planned near the DIPR office. Mallabaruah emphasized that while low-lying regions cannot be made flood-proof overnight, a combination of immediate and long-term sustainable strategies is essential.
In an effort to foster water conservation, the government has directed all real estate developers to include groundwater recharge systems in new constructions. The minister also mentioned that inspections will be conducted by engineers from various departments to ensure compliance with building regulations. This directive will equally apply to government buildings. Furthermore, traditional rainwater harvesting methods will be integrated into these developments to ensure effective water management practices are established.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/eco-blocks-in-rukminigaon-chandmari-to-tackle-floods/articleshow/122075757.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-06-26 04:34:00
