Guwahati: Unchecked hillside development in Meghalaya threatens Guwahati and worsens urban flooding, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Friday.“I think the Meghalaya govt has to take sympathetic consideration regarding the impact (flood) in Assam; otherwise, Guwahati will be an unmanageable city,” he said.Sarma said water flowing down from the hills could overwhelm any drainage system, making it difficult to protect Guwahati. He said he would soon speak to the Meghalaya chief minister.“Even Guwahati airport is now receiving a threat because of water that is coming from the hills of Meghalaya,” Sarma said.“This matter has been examined by a committee set up by the Supreme Court, and it has given a very devastating report, citing that the development in Jorabat, particularly in USTM and surrounding areas, will pose a huge threat to Guwahati,” he added.Sarma said the Meghalaya govt halted development in Byrnihat because of pollution and should similarly consider the impact of flooding on Assam.“Any day, the matter will come up for hearing in the Supreme Court. We don’t want to talk good or bad about the neighbouring state. We will argue before the court,” he said.“Meghalaya is within its rights to develop its own state. Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh also have the same right. But Assam is in the plains, so the impact of such development is felt here,” Sarma said.
