Assam Launches Eviction Drive to Ensure Flood-Free Guwahati

On May 20, 2025, the Assam government in collaboration with the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) conducted a significant eviction drive at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development in Guwahati’s Chachal area. The drive forms a key part of the government’s long-term strategy to make Guwahati a flood-free city by tackling illegal encroachments, particularly around the ecologically vital Silsako Beel wetland.

The eviction operation was led by Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who highlighted the government's firm commitment to address Guwahati's recurring flood problems. The minister explained that one of the major contributors to flooding in the city is the fast-flowing water from Meghalaya, made worse by deforestation in that neighboring state. According to Mallabaruah, many organizations in Meghalaya have destroyed natural greenery, which has led to rapid surface runoff during rains. This runoff not only floods parts of Guwahati but also travels across highways, eventually impacting other regions like Sikkim.

To counter this, the Assam government is building water diversion channels intended to redirect this inflow towards the Brahmaputra River. As part of this infrastructure plan, the eviction drive aims to clear illegal structures occupying wetland areas to enhance the retention capacity of the Silsako Beel. The reclaimed land will be transformed into retention tanks to store excess rainwater, which will later be channeled into the Brahmaputra, reducing waterlogging and flood threats in the city.

Minister Mallabaruah also addressed the issue of artificial flooding in Guwahati. He emphasized that the government’s broader urban development strategy includes creating a flood-resilient infrastructure network across the city. By restoring wetlands and improving water drainage systems, the government hopes to minimize damage and disruptions caused by seasonal rains.

Regarding the specific eviction at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute, the minister stated that the institute cooperated with authorities during the operation. The government has also allocated alternate land to the institution to facilitate a smooth transition. He mentioned that further eviction operations are scheduled, with the next major drive planned for May 30. This will involve removing unauthorized constructions like tennis courts, hotels, and nearly 500 other establishments from the area.

The cleared land will all be converted into water retention tanks. These tanks are crucial to the government’s flood management strategy, serving both to store rainwater and to regulate its release into major water bodies like the Brahmaputra.

Mallabaruah concluded by reaffirming that the flood mitigation work is being executed scientifically and under the strategic leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He confidently stated that the government expects significant progress within the next two to three years, ultimately resulting in a more flood-resilient Guwahati.

This comprehensive eviction and wetland restoration plan reflects the Assam government's proactive approach to climate resilience and sustainable urban planning.