The Gauhati High Court has recently directed the Assam government to present detailed measures addressing the rampant issue of hill cutting in Guwahati and its surrounding regions. This directive emerged during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that underscored the environmental degradation resulting from unauthorized hill cutting, leading to artificial floods and landslides.
In response to the court's earlier mandate, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs submitted an affidavit detailing ongoing initiatives. The department has engaged a consultancy firm to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan for Guwahati. Current efforts include conducting a topographical survey and creating a detailed inventory of existing stormwater drains. Additionally, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bahini river sub-basin is underway. A revised inception report was submitted by the consultant on December 26, 2024, and has been circulated among stakeholders for feedback.
Senior Advocate K.N. Choudhury, serving as Amicus Curiae, presented recommendations from a former Chief Executive Officer of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). Key suggestions include imposing a three-year moratorium on hill cutting and building permissions in low-lying areas until effective flood mitigation measures are implemented. It was also recommended that all reserve forests within greater Guwahati be cleared of encroachments, accompanied by extensive plantation drives by the forest department. Furthermore, a survey of non-miyadi patta lands was advised, with restrictions on constructing large structures on such lands.
The Advocate General of Assam acknowledged that uncontrolled hill cutting and mining are significant contributors to artificial flooding in the city. He assured the court of the state's commitment to curbing these practices. Emphasizing the urgency, the high court asserted that "rampant hill cutting must be checked and stopped," and instructed the Assam government to report on actions taken to prevent hill mining.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks later, by which time it expects the Assam government to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of these directives and the progress of ongoing initiatives.
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