Will artificial floods in Guwahati be controlled?

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com.)

After just one day of rain, Guwahati faced a chaotic situation. The whole city got flooded, leaving students and office workers stranded for hours. Unfortunately, some people, including a child, lost their lives. The talk of the town, once again, revolved around the government's inability to manage floods and the suffering of the citizens. This incident has reignited the question: Can Guwahati tackle the issue of artificial floods?

Guwahati has a history of flooding dating back about four decades. In our Kumarpara area, during floods when we were young, boats navigated the roads. Our neighbourhood used to get submerged, and people sought refuge in shelters. I vividly recall witnessing the Bharalu River flowing in an unusual manner. Currently, efforts are underway with the closure of sluice gates in Santipur and water being pumped out. Interestingly, even back then, people pointed fingers at human activities as the cause of Guwahati's floods. The blame game against the government for its perceived inaction remains unchanged.

In a nutshell, Guwahati's problem of artificial flooding persists and is worsening due to the city's rapid growth. The issue is exacerbated by construction practices like burying reservoirs, blocking natural drains, and building houses without proper drainage. Sewers are clogged with garbage, and reluctance to allocate land for sewerage complicates the situation. Overcrowding on mountains reduces their water-holding capacity, leading to rapid water flow and instant artificial flooding. Unfortunately, Guwahati lacks a comprehensive waste disposal system, with people still disposing of household garbage into sewers. The Bharalu-Bahini tributary reflects the city's waste, making it unattractive. As a result, the Bharalu River struggles to effectively carry Guwahati's waste and water to the Brahmaputra.

It's acknowledged that Guwahati's residents have consistently faced challenges due to the city's lack of planning. During the dry season, Guwahati often struggles with water scarcity, only to transform into a virtual sea during the monsoon. The city can flood within an hour of heavy rain, with water cascading down from the surrounding hills and having no clear path to escape. To curb these artificial floods, it's crucial to establish effective drainage systems in Guwahati. Protection measures are needed for the city's reservoirs to prevent runoff. Increasing the water-holding capacity of the Bharalu-Bahini river, which runs through the heart of Guwahati, is essential. Conserving natural reservoirs like Deepor Beel, Silsako Lake, Borsola Beel, Saruchala Beel, etc., is also important. Exploring options such as diverting stagnant water in Guwahati to the Brahmaputra or other reservoirs should be considered. Creating a network of artificial canals for water drainage into the river is a potential solution, and these canals could serve additional purposes like inland water transport or tourist attractions.

I'm reminded of San Antonio, a luxurious tourist destination in Texas, USA. During one of my trips to America, I had the fortune of spending two days in this captivating city. San Antonio is graced by the San Antonio River, weaving through the urban landscape. The river is linked by charming canals, offering boat rides for tourists, and scenic pathways along the banks. Much of the city's charm can be explored on foot, especially along the pedestrian walkway lining these canals. This scenic stroll, known as the 'River Walk,' is a major draw for tourists. Following the floods of 1921, San Antonio took a proactive step by constructing a network of canals to shield the city from future flooding. These canals have effectively safeguarded the city from devastating floods ever since.

I believe we need innovative solutions like those implemented in San Antonio to prevent floods in Guwahati. What if we consider constructing canals connecting the Brahmaputra and Bharalu-Bahini rivers in Guwahati, seeking guidance from water resource management experts? Additionally, we could connect other city reservoirs like Deepor Beel, Khanajan, and Bondajan through canals. Experts might help identify existing roads that could be transformed into drainage canals, and a well-planned network could connect these canals to the river. To address land requirements, we could explore building flyovers or alternative roads over the areas excavated for canal construction. Collaborating with experts could pave the way for a more flood-resistant Guwahati.

Venice, with its enchanting water canals, is a major draw for tourists. Similar canals in San Antonio caught my eye, attracting visitors who enjoyed boat rides on gondolas. It got me thinking—what if we create picturesque canals in Guwahati? Not only could they shield the city from artificial floods, but they might also become a tourist hotspot. The initial investment in building these canals could potentially be recouped through the revenue generated from tourism.

In bigger cities, there are extensive underground drainage systems beneath major streets. Water collects in the ditches on the roads and flows out through drains. Guwahati also has underground sewers in some areas. It's worth considering the construction of similar drains under most of the main roads in Guwahati. Additionally, there's a need to enhance the carrying capacity of the Bharalu River flowing through the city. Currently, the Brahmaputra in Guwahati has an average depth of about 45 metres, while the Bharalu's depth is only 3 metres. The Bharalu River meets the Brahmaputra vertically, causing a significant drop in water velocity. Therefore, it might be necessary to alter the course of the Bharalu before it joins the Brahmaputra.

A key factor in the artificial flooding of Guwahati is the rapid water flow from nearby hills during rainfall. To tackle this, it's crucial to safeguard the forest cover on these hills. Utilising contemporary techniques like rainwater harvesting can enhance the hills' ability to retain water. The government should enforce strict measures to prevent large-scale clearing and development of land in the hills. Additionally, initiatives to redirect water from the hills through drains or canals should be implemented.

Instead of pointing fingers at the government and citizens for the flood issues in Guwahati, we need innovative solutions. Exceptional thinking, backed by science and technology, is essential. While it may not be feasible to scientifically rebuild the unplanned city, leveraging science and technology can swiftly implement long-term measures to address the problem of artificial flooding in Guwahati.

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