Guwahati, April 20: Assam Chief Secretary reviewed the situation in Guwahati after an intense cloudburst brought heavy rainfall of around 120 mm within a few hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic disruption and major inconvenience to residents.
Officials said the sudden downpour overwhelmed several parts of the city, disrupting normal life. Authorities noted that the rainfall level exceeded the previous 24-hour high of 120 mm recorded on May 31, 2025.
Following the heavy rain, the Chief Secretary directed the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to issue timely weather forecasts and advisories so that residents can plan their movement and take necessary precautions. Traffic advisories will also be issued in advance during severe weather conditions.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been instructed to ensure round-the-clock deployment of concessionaires to clear blocked culverts, operate pumps and remove silt along key highway stretches. Priority areas include Tetelia–Jalukbari, Excel Care–Gorchuk, Koinadhara–Tripura Road, and Jorabat–Khanapara.
Meanwhile, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the Water Resources Department have been placed on 24×7 standby to address waterlogging in vulnerable localities such as Anil Nagar, Navin Nagar, Lachit Nagar and Rukmini Nagar.
The Public Works Department (PWD-Roads) has also been directed to ensure complete desiltation of drains, including critical areas like GS Road near Bhangagarh, with strict timelines set for dredging and cleaning operations. Authorities warned that lapses in implementation would invite accountability.
In a separate development, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the Maligaon incident, which resulted in loss of life during the heavy rain. Officials said preventable incidents leading to fatalities would be dealt with firmly.
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Residents living in landslide-prone hill areas have also been advised to remain alert during heavy rainfall and take necessary precautions.
The Chief Secretary said all departments are working in close coordination round the clock and that the situation has already improved in several areas. Waterlogging near Jorabat was cleared quickly due to earlier dredging work toward Byrnihat, highlighting the importance of sustained desiltation efforts.
With more rainfall forecast by the India Meteorological Department, authorities said all agencies remain on high alert to respond to any further emergencies.
