GUWAHATI: In view of the grave situation arising out of the recent landslide incidents in and around Guwahati, the Kamrup (Metro) District Administration on Wednesday directed all the departments concerned to prohibit all earth-cutting and earth-filling activities in hilly terrains, water bodies and low-lying areas of the district.
The district administration issued the order to various departments, including enforcement agencies like Revenue Circle Officers, District Police, Forest Department, Public Works Department, Transport Department, Soil Conservation Department and planning and regulatory bodies like Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and Panchayat functionaries.
"It is observed that unscientific and haphazard earth cutting and earth filling in the hillocks as well as low-lying areas of the district for unplanned construction works destabilizes the natural earth slopes, blocks natural drains, clogs natural and artificial drains and triggers severe landslides, artificial flood and persistent water logging during rainy days. Further, this result in substantial loss of human, cattle lives and property," stated Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu.
It was also directed that no earth cutting must be allowed till the monsoon season is over, even if permission has been procured from the regulatory authorities like GMDA or GMC for any construction activity.
All concerned departments and regulatory bodies have also been ordered to take steps for review of permissions accorded, if any, during the current year and to cancel permissions in vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods, considering the present risk and vulnerability.
The direction is issued as per provisions as laid down in Section 30.2 (III) (V), (VI), (VIII), (IX), (XI), (XX), (XXIII), and Section 41 (C) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
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