Assam High Court Directs State Government To Take Steps In Mitigating Floods Alongside Submitting Action Report.

Guwahati; May 2026: The Gauhati High Court on 06th May 2026 has directed the state government in taking necessary steps to mitigate the worsening artificial flood situations in Guwahati and submit a progress report before the Court on the next date of hearing. The Court has given the directions after taking suo motu cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning recurring problem of artificial flood in Guwahati. The PIL was filed by advocate Sandeep Chamaria.

The Court observed that open manholes and drains lying exposed at various places in Guwahati pose a grave threat to public safety and everyday life and directed the State government, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), and the departments concerned to immediately take protective measures by covering all open manholes, drains, and hazardous sewerage channels.

The Court particularly took serious note of the danger posed to citizens during rainfall when open drains remain submerged under water, thereby putting human lives at risk. The PIL highlighted recurring artificial floods, waterlogging, failure of drainage systems, encroachment upon water bodies, and unscientific urban planning as the primary causes behind the worsening situation in Guwahati.

According to the petition, in an incident dated April 19, in which a woman reportedly lost her life after falling into an uncovered drain in the Maligaon area following heavy rainfall, further underlined the gravity of the issue. Further, the Court emphasised the need for a scientific and time-bound action plan to ensure a permanent solution to Guwahati’s artificial flood problem. The Court has fixed the next hearing of the matter on May 12.

Earlier, on April 20th, the Assam government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a woman in Maligaon, who was swept away during artificial flooding triggered by intense rainfall on 19th April (Sunday evening). The decision to order a probe was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota the next day on 20th (Monday), where the District Commissioner was directed to institute a magisterial inquiry to fix responsibility. The administration asserted that the incident would be dealt with firmly.

The victim, identified as Payel Nath Das, was swept away in artificial flooding in Maligaon after allegedly falling into an uncovered drain amid heavy rain and poor visibility. “Due to the strong flow of water inside the drain, the operation faced significant difficulties. After an extensive search and sustained efforts, the team successfully rescued the victim from the drain. The rescued victim was handed over to the local police, who promptly shifted her to Pandu FRU for medical treatment”, a statement issued by station officer, Pandu Fire & Emergency Services, said, on 20th April 2026. According to family members, Das, who worked at a jewellery shop on GS Road, had booked a cab to return home on Sunday evening. However, due to worsening weather and waterlogging, the cab driver dropped her at Maligaon.

“She was heading to a friend’s house for dinner as it was getting late. While walking, she received a phone call and probably became absent-minded. She then fell into the drain. It happened around 21:15 hours”, her brother-in-law said.

Key stretches identified include Tetelia–Jalukbari, Excel Care–Gorchuk, Koinadhara–Tripura Road and Jorabat–Khanapara. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and the Water Resources Department have been asked to maintain 24×7 operational readiness to tackle waterlogging in vulnerable areas such as Anil Nagar, Navin Nagar, Lachit Nagar and Rukmini Nagar.

The Public Works Department (Roads) has been tasked with ensuring thorough desiltation of drains and preventing recurrence of waterlogging, particularly along GS Road near Bhangagarh. The review followed a spell of cloudburst-like rainfall that lashed Guwahati, with several locations recording around 120 mm of rain within a few hours, triggering widespread waterlogging, disruption of normal life, and considerable public inconvenience.

The India Meteorological Department had forecast occasional rain and thunderstorms over the coming days. Authorities reiterated that all departments are working round-the-clock in coordination to address waterlogging, expedite drainage and restore normalcy. While the situation has improved in several areas, targeted interventions are ongoing in the remaining affected locations.

Team Maverick.