Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 15 announced a Rs 150-crore flood mitigation project for Jorabat under the proposed Guwahati Ring Road, saying the initiative is intended to provide a permanent solution to the area’s recurring flash flood problem.
Speaking during the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said the recent flash flood that disrupted traffic and inundated parts of Jorabat underscored the need for long-term infrastructure measures in the strategic gateway connecting Assam and Meghalaya.
“Day before yesterday we witnessed a violent flash flood in the Jorabat area. Under the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Guwahati Ring Road project, we have earmarked Rs 150 crore specifically to address the flash flood problem in Jorabat,” the Chief Minister told the House.
Sarma said consultants are preparing the engineering drawings for the flood mitigation works and have been directed to obtain technical approval from IIT Guwahati before the project is taken up for implementation.
“I believe that once the Ring Road project begins, flash flood situations such as the one witnessed in Jorabat will be avoided,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the persistent traffic congestion in Jorabat, describing it as a crucial junction connecting Assam and Meghalaya where traffic bottlenecks have become a regular occurrence.
To ease pressure on the existing route, Sarma announced that the government has proposed upgrading the Digaru-Narangi road into a four-lane highway. The upgraded road is expected to provide an alternative corridor for commuters travelling from Jagiroad and nearby areas to Guwahati.
Seeking support for the project, the Chief Minister appealed to the legislators representing the Dimoria and Dispur constituencies to cooperate in facilitating the proposed road expansion.
The announcements come as the Assam government intensifies efforts to improve urban infrastructure and address recurring flooding in the Guwahati metropolitan region through integrated transport and drainage planning.
