Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla has responded strongly to Assam’s allegations that deforestation and construction in Meghalaya has exacerbated recent flooding in Guwahati.
Shylla stated that Assam should focus on strengthening its urban drainage infrastructure instead of pointing fingers. He stressed the need for fact-based dialogue, saying, “They have to find a solution, build proper drainage to avoid further flooding. Until and unless that is done, there’s no point blaming Meghalaya.”
Blaming Meghalaya is not unusual for Assam, with its Chief Minister hurling wild allegations against the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) for causing flooding in Guwahati last year by cutting trees and levelling hills. Guwahati is prone to flooding being situated on the Brahmaputra River and because of the city’s breakneck expansion over the years, which has seen previously green marshy areas built on. A burgeoning population and patchy regulation has added to Guwahati’s challenges.
Shylla noted that Meghalaya has not received any official communication from Assam on this issue and reiterated that flooding in Guwahati is a recurring urban challenge requiring better in-state preparedness. “It’s easy to blame but such claims must be backed by proof. If surveys show that we’ve contributed, we’re open to talks and corrective steps,” he added. Drawing an analogy, the minister remarked, “If you meet with an accident due to high speed, you can’t blame the road. You have to drive carefully and take responsibility.”
