GUWAHATI: The Meghalaya government is examining the reasons behind the recurring flooding at Jorabat along the Meghalaya-Assam interstate border, with ongoing road construction emerging as one of the possible contributing factors, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Wednesday, August 5.
ALSO READ: Bombay High Court Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal in 2013 Rape Case
Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by commuters travelling along the busy Shillong-Guwahati route, Sangma said the government is working to identify the causes of the flooding while implementing both immediate and long-term solutions.
"We are studying all aspects and looking at whatever measures we can put in," the Chief Minister said, adding that Deputy Commissioners are coordinating efforts on the ground.
Sangma explained that recent road construction has created a "bowl-like" structure in the area, causing rainwater to accumulate more quickly.
"Because of the road construction, the land below the main flyover is quite a few feet down. That structure is leading to water collecting there and causing faster flooding," he said.
He noted that while road construction could be one of the contributing factors, the government is conducting a detailed assessment before arriving at any conclusions.
Jorabat, located on the Meghalaya-Assam border, is one of the region's most flood-prone stretches. Heavy rainfall regularly causes severe waterlogging, disrupting traffic and affecting thousands of commuters travelling between Guwahati and Shillong.
Sangma also stressed the need for coordinated action between the Assam and Meghalaya governments to address the recurring issue. He said district administrations from both states are already working together to minimise inconvenience to the public and improve flood management in the area.