We are all concerned about it, and the deputy commissioners are coordinating. We hope to find both temporary and long-term solutions.
– Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, August 6: Both Meghalaya and Assam are exploring ways to mitigate the flood problem at Jorabat along the inter-state border, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
The recurring flood at Jorabat, the biggest entry point to Meghalaya from Assam, has repeatedly disrupted normal life and traffic along the border during monsoon rains and it has been a matter of concern for both the state governments.
Meghalaya government is studying every aspect of the floods in the area and exploring both immediate and long-term solutions in coordination with the Assam government, Sangma said.
Pointing at the bowl-like topography in the area, he said, “There is a concern because of the bowl-like structure created due to the road construction. The level below the main flyover is quite deep, which leads to additional water collecting there and results in flooding at a much faster pace.”
Jorabat lies at the foothills of the Meghalaya Plateau, where runoff from the hills drains into the low-lying plains of Assam.
The area serves as a natural drainage convergence point, receiving water from both the Meghalaya hills and the rapidly urbanising outskirts of Guwahati.
Jorabat, meaning “the meeting of two roads”, has increasingly become the meeting point of hill runoff and urban storm water, contributing to recurring floods during the monsoon.
Sangma said the government is not limiting its assessment to a single factor and is examining all possible causes behind the recurring inundation.
“There could be other reasons as well. We are studying all the aspects and looking at whatever measures we can put in,” he said.
The chief minister stressed that the issue requires close coordination between the two states, as the flooding affects commuters and residents on either side of the interstate border.
He said the administrations of Meghalaya and Assam are working together to minimise inconvenience to the public.
“We are all concerned about it, and the deputy commissioners are coordinating. We hope to find both temporary and long-term solutions. It is an important issue for us,” Sangma said.
Waterlogging in Jorabat has frequently disrupted traffic along the busy Guwahati-Shillong corridor, affecting thousands of daily commuters, businesses and residents in both states.
With the monsoon once again exposing the area’s drainage and topographical challenges, the Meghalaya government said it is adopting a comprehensive approach by examining engineering, hydrological and other contributing factors while working jointly with the Assam government to develop sustainable solutions to the recurring problem.
