Guwahati, July 21: The Assam government on Monday began demolishing the Institute of Hotel Management in Guwahati, which was found to be constructed on a key wetland — a step aimed at addressing the city’s recurring urban floods.
Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, while inspecting the site, said the move is part of a broader initiative to reclaim wetlands as a long-term solution to Guwahati’s flash flood crisis.
“Over the years, many lands occupied by individuals, institutions, and even government agencies have encroached upon crucial wetlands. One such case is the IHM, a centrally-run institution, which was constructed over a vital wetland,” Baruah told reporters.
“To tackle urban flooding, we’ve identified around 400 acres of wetland for reclamation. The demolition of IHM marks the beginning of this effort. The institute has already been relocated to GS Road, with its hostels shifted to the Games Village. We’ve also allotted permanent land in Sonapur, where the Building and Woodworkers Department will construct new, modern facilities,” he added.
Baruah highlighted the extensive encroachment of Guwahati’s two major wetlands — Silsako and Deepor Beel — which has disrupted the city’s natural drainage system and worsened flood risks.
“These wetlands once acted as natural buffers, storing excess rainwater before it drained into the Brahmaputra. Due to widespread encroachment, their capacity has drastically reduced, making the city more prone to flash floods,” he said. “We are committed to restoring these water bodies to their original state.”
The state’s urban development strategy now hinges on reviving wetlands as a sustainable measure to mitigate flooding in Guwahati.
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