Dibrugarh: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, conducted an inspection of the drainage and sewerage system in the Naliapool area of Dibrugarh City today. As the Lok Sabha MP for Dibrugarh, Sonowal emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable and practical solution to the city’s poorly designed drainage system to prevent artificial floods.
During his visit, Sonowal called upon experts and authorities to pool their efforts, resources, and knowledge to develop a viable drainage system. He highlighted the importance of IIT Guwahati’s role in studying the causes of artificial floods in the city. Based on this study, a master plan will be created, and the government will take necessary corrective measures to address the issue.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “The artificial floods in Dibrugarh are a cause of concern, and we must remain at the forefront to solve this problem and find a solution that is economically prudent, ecologically viable, and environmentally sustainable. IIT Guwahati is going to study the causes of these artificial floods, which have disrupted life in Dibrugarh. Once identified, a team of experts will draw up a master plan and present it to the government for execution. We will ensure that this is carried out in letter and spirit so that this menace of artificial flooding can be put to rest for good. It is also a matter of grave concern that encroachment is a major cause of such artificial flooding. I call upon civic bodies to act against anyone found violating the law and bring them to book. We must ensure all possible steps to find a sustainable solution to the artificial flooding problem of Dibrugarh.”
Following the inspection, the Union Minister instructed officials to act swiftly to bring relief to the public. He stressed the need for civic bodies to address a range of issues, including encroachment, and urged officials to expedite efforts towards finding a permanent solution to these challenges, incorporating expert opinions and suggestions into their plans.