GUWAHATI: Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai has directed concerned officials to conduct an immediate survey of encroached land along the banks of the Basistha River, which has been a major factor behind recurring flooding and inundation in the Basistha area and other parts of Guwahati.
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A large-scale encroachment has taken place on both sides of the river from near Basistha Temple up to the crematorium, significantly reducing the width of the river channel. Several concrete houses and commercial establishments have come up close to the river stream, restricting the natural flow of water.
According to sources, officials have been asked to complete the survey within 15 days and identify the extent of encroachment in the area.
“The officials have been asked to collect the original map of the locality before the encroachment and compare it with the present situation,” a source said.
Another source said that notices would be issued to those found occupying encroached land after completion of the survey, indicating that an eviction drive could follow.
“After the survey is completed, authorities will start issuing notices to the encroachers.”
The Basistha River originates from an area inside neighbouring Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district before flowing through Guwahati.
On Tuesday morning, Minister Kaushik Rai, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Mayor Mrigen Sarania, GMC Commissioner Chinmoy Phookan, local ward councillor Satendra Nath Bhattacharya and other senior GMC officials inspected the Basistha Temple area and other flood-affected locations following heavy rainfall earlier this week.
The water level of the Basistha River had risen above the danger mark, with floodwaters entering hundreds of houses in surrounding areas and causing widespread damage.