Recently, the Gauhati High Court directed the Assam Government to submit a detailed report outlining the steps taken by the administration in response to recommendations made by an agency appointed to devise a flood management plan for Guwahati.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kardak Ete, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning rampant hill cutting and encroachments, which the petitioners argued were key contributors to artificial flooding and landslides in the region.

Earlier, in an order dated March 21, the Court had instructed the State to provide details of measures taken to address the issue of hill cutting in and around Greater Guwahati and other parts of Assam.

In response, the Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs submitted an additional affidavit outlining the steps taken and the regulatory framework in place to address hill cutting in Guwahati.

However, Amicus Curiae pointed out that despite the existence of regulations and some measures taken by the government, hill cutting continues unabated. He also stressed that enforcement of the regulations remains weak, and sought more time to present recent incidents of hill cutting in the city.

The Court further noted that recent rainfall had caused waterlogging on roads and in several residential areas, a situation widely reported in the media.

In light of these concerns, the Court directed the Advocate General of Assam to submit a comprehensive report on the administration’s efforts to combat flooding in Guwahati. The matter will be taken up again on June 11.

Case Title: North East Eco Development Society v. The State of Assam & Ors.
Case No.: PIL/14/2024