Guwahati, April 21: The Assam government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a woman who was swept away during severe waterlogging in Guwahati on April 19.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, where the District Commissioner was directed to institute an inquiry to fix responsibility. Officials said incidents involving loss of life due to preventable causes would be dealt with strictly.
The victim, identified as Payel Nath Das, reportedly fell into an uncovered roadside drain in Maligaon amid poor visibility and strong water flow caused by intense rainfall.
Authorities have directed the India Meteorological Department, Assam State Disaster Management Authority and district administrations to ensure timely dissemination of weather forecasts and advisories. The National Highways Authority of India has been tasked with maintaining drainage systems and deploying pumps round the clock.
Civic bodies, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, have been instructed to remain on high alert in flood-prone areas and take preventive measures.
The review followed cloudburst-like rainfall that saw several parts of the city record around 120 mm of rain within a few hours, leading to widespread disruption. Authorities said coordinated efforts are underway to restore normalcy as further rainfall is expected in the coming days.
