STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: When it comes to prevention of artificial floods in the city, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) authorities seem to be facing a situation wherein a new hole appears as soon as one hole is sought to be plugged.
The GMC had erected fences on the banks of the five rivers that flow through the city - Bharalu, Basistha, Mora Bharalu, Bahini and Lakhimijan. However, it can be observed that gradually, these fences have either been damaged or uprooted by a section of people.
For instance, the fencing that was erected on the banks of the river Basistha in the Hatigaon area is no more to be seen. Instead, the site is the roosting ground of fish vendors and people washing clothes.
Talking to The Sentinel, GMC Commissioner Devasish Sharma said that the same situation is prevailing on the banks of the river Bharalu, with some people removing the fencing to facilitate construction activity.
Saying that absence of the fencing enhances risk to human life during floods, Sharma said that anti-floods measures cannot be successful without the cooperation of the local populace.
He said that emphasis will be laid on restoring these fences during the ensuing flood-prevention drives of the GMC.
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