Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday voiced concern over the growing risk of floods and landslides along the Assam-Meghalaya border, warning that rapid and unregulated development in Meghalaya’s Jorabat-USTM region could have serious environmental consequences for Guwahati.
Speaking to reporters in Dispur, Sarma said a committee appointed by the Supreme Court had already examined the issue and submitted what he described as a “very devastating report” highlighting the potential environmental impact of construction activities in the area.
According to the chief minister, the committee’s findings indicate that ongoing development in and around Jorabat, particularly near the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), could pose a significant threat to Guwahati due to increased runoff and environmental degradation.
Appealing to the Meghalaya government, Sarma urged it to consider the impact of development on neighbouring Assam and adopt measures to regulate construction activities in the border region.
“I appeal to the Meghalaya government to sympathetically consider the impact on Assam and examine how development in and around Jorabat can be controlled,” he said.
The chief minister cautioned that if unchecked construction continues, Guwahati could face severe challenges in managing stormwater and flash floods.
“Otherwise, Guwahati will become an unmanageable city. The volume of water flowing downhill cannot be handled by any drainage system,” Sarma said.
He also revealed that he has been in touch with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on the issue and noted that the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
“The Supreme Court is hearing the matter, and whenever it comes up, we will present our arguments before the court,” the chief minister added.