Kamrup DC: Remove silt within 2 hours of extraction from drains

Guwahati: The Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration on Sunday ordered all contractors, departments and agencies involved in the de-siltation process to ensure the removal of silt within two hours after its extraction from city drains.

Notably, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and Public Works Department (PWD) are involved in the de-siltation process.

The DC, Sumit Sattawan, said the order was made after concerns were raised during the flood-free mission meetings, where departments concerned were instructed to remove the silt within the stipulated time of two hours. However, according to the monitoring committees, the norm was being blatantly disregarded.

"It is reported by monitoring committees constituted for monitoring the de-siltation activities of the agencies that the silt is dumped on the side of drains for more than the stipulated time of 2 hours, and in some cases, the silt is not lifted even after of 24 hours of extraction," the order said.

Sattawan also highlighted the risk of unattended silt being washed back into the drains during rains. This not only undermined the de-siltation efforts but also worsened the city's cleanliness and hygiene, and also created significant inconvenience for commuters, who navigate through these filthy, silt-strewn paths, the DC said.

Additionally expressing concern over the persistence of these issues, Sattawan said if such activities were allowed to continue unchecked, it would lead to waterlogging in several areas across the city, hampering the daily lives of the residents.

He added that the order was issued with immediate effect to address urban flood mitigation and any negligence or failure to comply with the directive will result in legal action, as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Contractors and engineers found responsible for delays will be considered to be obstructing public service and may face penalties.