Earth cutting prohibited in Guwahati to check waterlogging, landslides during rainy season

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 18, 2024

In view of the recent landslides and water logging in different parts of Guwahati city, Kamrup Metro district commissioner Sumit Sattawan prohibited earth cutting and earth filling works in and around the district during this rainy season from May 1 to October 31.

This ban has been imposed as per provision of section 30.2 (iii), (v), (VI), (VIII), (IX), (XI), (XX), (XXIII), and section 41 (C) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

In an official order, the DC said: “It is observed that unscientific and haphazard earth cutting and earth filling in the hillocks as well as in the low lying areas of this district for unplanned construction of works destabilizes the natural earth slopes, blocks natural drains, clog natural and artificial drains which triggers severe landslides, artificial floods, persistent water logging during the rainy days resulting in substantial loss of human and cattle lives and destruction of properties.”

“Unscientific earth cutting also degrades the environment and overall ecological balance,” the order said.

“I am of the considered opinion that if haphazard, unscientific and unplanned earth cutting and earth filling are allowed to continue unhindered in this district, it may cause a catastrophe, mishap and calamity of great magnitude in this district putting the public in general in a situation of great inconvenience and hardship,” the DC said.

“I hereby feel an immediate necessity to direct all the concerned departments, including the enforcement agencies like revenue circle officers, district police, forest department, PWD, transport department, soil conservation department, planning and regulatory bodies like GMC, GMDA, panchayat functionaries not to permit any earth cutting and earth filling activity in the hilly terrains, water bodies and in low lying areas of the district till the monsoon season is over i.e. from May 1 to October 31,” the DC further said. 

“In view of the grave situation, arising out of the recent landslides in and around Guwahati city, it is also hereby directed that no earth cutting should be allowed till the monsoon season is over, even if permission has been procured from the regulatory authorities like GMC, GMDA for any construction activity,” he said.

The DC further directed not to allow the carrying of earth procured after hill cutting. Before procuring procurer should ensure that the earth is not out of hill cutting.

“All the departments and regulatory bodies will take steps to review the permission accorded, if any during the current year and take steps to cancel that permission forthwith in the most vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods considering the present rise and vulnerability in the hilly terrain, water bodies and low lying areas of the district,” he added.

Guwahati continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, with several low-lying areas being inundated by the continuous downpour. Streets are submerged, adding further challenges for both residents and the local authorities entrusted with managing this crisis.