Skip to content Skip to navigation

Rs 20 cr down the drain; no respite

At a time when massive water logging wreaks havoc in Guwahati even after a heavy downpour, GMDA and water resources department take centrestage following the revelations that Rs 20 crore was spent during the last five years in the name of desiltation and excavation of the rivers flowing across the city. But no result is in sight.

According to information available with Assam Times, the heavily manned departments spent Rs 78.37 lakh in 2009-2010 to desilt the river Basistha apart from linking the river to Mora Bharalu spending Rs 69.29 lakh.

Again in 2011-12, another amount of Rs 44.95 lakh was spent to desilt the river. But of no avail. But not even an area in the city got respite from waterlogging.

What is more striking is stunning is that a huge amount of Rs 1.20 crore was spent in 2011 -12only in the name of a cleanliness drive in the river Bahini which is no less responsible for massive waterlogging in Guwahati.

The same river required Rs 1.41 cr to be desilted deploying men and machines in 2013-14.

Not only that. GMDA and water resources department spent Rs 16.15 crore in 2009-10 in the name of excavation and desiltation of rivers from Motoria to Bonda through Silasaku. But there is hardly any positive result.

Hardly any respite is in sight despite this huge expenditure. Waterlogging has been a regular feature these days.

With this, it has become clear that a huge amount of money ti the tune of Rs 20 crore has gone down the drain in the name of excavation, desiltation and cleaning the rivers Bharalu, Bahini, Basistha, Silsaku, Borsola and Sarusola during the last 5 years.

Assam Times will leave before you more sensational revelations how over Rs 10 crore was spent only in the name of desiltation and excavation of the Bharalu river during this period.

Will chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who is committed to end the waterlogging chapter even by evicting hundreds of people in the largest ever drive in the city, look into it?   

Add new comment

Assamese Translator

Assam Times seeks English to Assamese translators!
Join our volunteer team.
Email editor@assamtimes.org.

Random Stories

Effigy burnt of Food & Civil Supplies minister

19 Nov 2013 - 5:24pm | SK Hasan
Protesting continious price hike and inflation, Sivasagar District unit of the All Tai Ahom Student Unoin (ATASU) on Tuesday burnt the effigy of Food & Civil Supplies Najrul Islam at Dhudar...

Rescued girls reaching parents

10 May 2015 - 5:13pm | AT News
As many as 35 girls have reached their parents in Tinsukia district a day after they were rescued just before taking to Kerala.Immediately after being rescued at the Margherita Railway Station on...

Fierce gunbattle in Rongapahar

12 Apr 2014 - 9:03pm | AT News
A heavy gun battle seems to have pressed no less panic button along the Assam-Nagaland interstate border in Karbi Anglong district on Saturday.The fierce exchange of firing took place atop the...

Engineer killer held in Haflong

25 Nov 2013 - 8:27am | AT News
Police have arrested a Naga militant in connection with the recent killing of the irrigation engineer.           Identified as Ibung Kuame, the NSCN militant was held from a...

Other Contents by Author

Guwahati, 23 September 2023: Assam Don Bosco University celebrated its 12th Convocation on Saturday, 23rd September, 2023, at Tapesia Campus Sonapur, Guwahati. The esteemed gathering included the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, who graced the occasion as the university's visitor, along with Vice Chancellor Fr. (Dr) Jose Palley, Pro Vice Chancellor Fr. Joseph Nellnatt, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, students, and dignitaries from across the country. Addressing the graduating students, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to society, emphasizing the importance of innovation and dedication in shaping a better...
Golaghat: Last Wednesday, an insightful sensitization workshop addressing the detrimental effects of tobacco use was organized at the conference hall of the District & Sessions Judge’s office in Golaghat. The event witnessed the presence of key figures in the fight against tobacco consumption, including Secretary of DLSA Golaghat, Smt. JyotiSmita Sarma, Dr. Sunita Ekka from District Tobacco Control Cell, Golaghat, and Rudhir Prakash Sarma, Divisional Coordinator of Upper Assam Division from The UNION. Officials from the DLSA office and the health department also actively participated. The workshop commenced with a warm welcome address, followed by an insightful discussion on the...
Guwahati: Biodiversity conservation organizations, Aaranyak and WWF-India, have joined forces to tackle the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), particularly the pressing concern of human-elephant conflict (HEC), by installing a remarkable 10 km-long low-cost solar fence in the fringes of the Central Range (Kachugaon) of Raimona National Park in Assam. This initiative aims to facilitate coexistence between humans and wildlife, offering immediate relief to the local community. The community-managed single-strand solar fence is expected to alleviate the ever-increasing incidents of HEC for approximately 568 households, which translates to a population of 2700-3000 people...
Guwahati: In an effort to nurture the next generation's understanding of nature and sustainability, WWF-India continues to make significant strides with its Ek Prithvi program. The importance of environmental education for the long-term success of children has never been more evident, and this program has been instrumental in connecting young minds to the environment. Launched in 2016, Ek Prithvi focuses on fostering environmental awareness, knowledge, and the skills required for conservation among students. It has already made a profound impact, reaching out to over 145,200 students across 11 states. When the pandemic struck, Ek Prithvi adapted with the "One Earth One Home" program,...
Dibrugarh - The North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) and the Environmental Forum of Assam, in collaboration with the Centre for Social Work Studies at Dibrugarh University, successfully hosted a two-day 'People's Dialogue on Development Discourse in North East India' from August 28th to 29th. The event, held at the Vikshan conference hall of Dibrugarh University, gathered a diverse group of regional stakeholders to engage in insightful conversations aimed at reshaping development approaches in the North-East. The North-East region of India, known for its cultural diversity and unique geography, has often been a focal point for discussions on development, infrastructure,...
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, a respected author and cultural advocate from Assam, has been elected as the Secretary General of the Delphic Council of North East India (DCNE). This announcement came during an online general body meeting held on August 4th. Under the guidance of Jahnabi Phookan, the Past National President of FICCI FLO, who serves as the initiator and advisor, and Swapnanil Barua as President, DCNE is poised for a new era of cultural enrichment. During the meeting, accomplished artist Gaurab Kr Hazarika was chosen as the treasurer and entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the organization of Delphic Clubs, an integral component of DCNE's engagement...
Football betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling, with millions of people around the world placing wagers on their favorite teams and players. Unfortunately, football betting can be a tricky business, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation that comes along with it. For those who are looking to maximize their chance of success when it comes to football bets, some key strategies can help you stay ahead of the odds. Understand Statistics In order to be successful in football online betting, one need to understand the statistics involved. Many factors can affect the outcome of a game, from weather conditions to injuries or even luck. By having a...
The Assam Association Chennai witnessed a momentous event on July 23, 2023, as a new general body was formed to lead the association for the session 2023-25. The election results, declared by the election commission of Assam Association Chennai, brought forth a team of dedicated individuals to spearhead the organization's activities and initiatives. The elected members who will guide the Assam Association Chennai for the next two years are as follows:     President: Dwip Kinkar Goswami     Vice-president: Deben Daloi     General Secretary: Gautam Deori     Joint Secretary: Bijoy Bordoloi     Cultural...
In a recent press release issued by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA- Independent), the militant outfit has vehemently denied any association with the individuals arrested for collecting funds in the name of the organization. The ULFA-I has accused the Assam Police of misleading actions and false implications. The press release highlighted the arrests of Pushpanjali Gohain and Hem Chetia, who were found in possession of Rs 3 lakh and accepting donations, respectively, on behalf of "United Liberation Army, Assam [Independent]." The ULFA-I clarified that they have no connection with these individuals and their actions, asserting that the organization does not involve women in such...
The Meiteis of Manipur residing in Mizoram have reportedly started leaving the state due to safety concerns prompted by a recently-viral video. According to reports, the former militants' organization "Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association" and the "Hmar Students Association" allegedly asked the Meiteis of Manipur to leave Mizoram for their own safety. This has led to over 300 Meiteis gathering in Aizawl, while others have sought shelter in local churches. Some have reached Imphal Airport today, with many others still stuck in Mizoram. There are over 2,000 Meiteis in Mizoram, of which half originate from Manipur, and are working in various sectors, including central government offices...