Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Supreme Court’s recent notice on the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has validated his earlier assertions linking the institution to Guwahati’s chronic urban flooding. Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Sarma struck a vindicated tone, stating, “When I talked about USTM, many people laughed at me and said I was bluffing because flood water cannot be stopped. But today, the Supreme Court has issued a notice in this matter. That itself proves that there is substance in what I said.” The Chief Minister’s remarks came in light of the apex court’s decision to issue notices to the governments of Assam and Meghalaya, as well as an expert committee, to investigate the environmental implications of infrastructural development in and around the Assam-Meghalaya border. The probe comes amid years of growing public concern over Guwahati’s worsening flood situation, often blamed on blocked natural channels, rampant hill-cutting, and unregulated urban expansion.
Sarma recalled that his earlier warnings about USTM’s alleged encroachment on natural water outlets had been dismissed by the public and political opponents alike. He said he had personally raised the issue with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who, according to Sarma, had not denied the possibility but had refrained from taking a stand. “That day, when I pointed this to the CM of Meghalaya, he could not say ‘no’ to me. Yet, people here laughed and dismissed it,” he remarked. Without delving into the specifics of the petition that led to the Supreme Court notice, the Assam CM hinted that this legal step was just the beginning of a broader investigation into the actions of certain institutions and foundations that have long operated under limited scrutiny.
Sarma went a step further to hint at upcoming revelations related to the Ajmal Foundation. “With the release of medical results this time, you will see even better news… All the stories that have been circulating about Ajmal Foundation and others for so many days—you will understand where they actually stand,” he said, suggesting that the recently declared NEET results might bring new clarity to long-standing suspicions. The Ajmal Foundation, a prominent charitable organization associated with AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, has previously come under political and public criticism, particularly in matters related to education funding and institutional transparency.