Guwahati: Largescale encroachments on hills in and around city and resultant silting of major drains said to be main reasons for waterlogging in Guwahati city. Minister in charge of Guwahati Development Department, Himanta Biswa Sarma, says no solution unless drastic steps are taken. Measures include relocation of people living on the hills, eviction of encroachers, massive afforestation programme on the hills. No MLA said to be in favour of relocating the people.

Speedy discharge of water taken up earlier. Channels opened to ensure discharge of water to Silsako area to reduce pressure on Bharalu river. Steps being taken to ensure no fresh encroachments take place in Silsako. Bharalu riverbed rising. Government has brough new machinery for digging up the bed.