Highway concessionaire asked to explain failure to clear drains amid rising flood concerns
Guwahati: The Kamrup (Metro) district administration has served a show-cause notice to a highway concessionaire over recurring waterlogging along the National Highway stretch between Khanapara and Jalukbari.
Acting through the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), officials have held M/S Dinesh Chandra Kamakhya Highway Concessions Pvt. Ltd. responsible for not clearing blocked cross-culverts despite repeated directives. Authorities said the lapses have worsened water accumulation at several critical points.
According to field assessments, areas near Excel Care Hospital, Tetelia, and Gotanagar have been severely affected. Inspecting teams found culverts choked with silt and debris, which disrupted natural drainage and led to flooding on the highway.
Earlier, the agency had been instructed during “Mission Flood Free” review meetings to complete pre-monsoon desilting and ensure smooth water flow. However, officials noted that the lack of timely action has hindered preparedness efforts and increased inconvenience for commuters and residents.
The administration has now asked the company to submit its explanation within three days. “Failure to respond satisfactorily may invite action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” the notice stated, signalling possible legal consequences for negligence.
Meanwhile, authorities emphasised that maintaining drainage infrastructure remains critical to managing urban flooding as the monsoon approaches.
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