Fire Burns for 24 Hours, But Who’s Accountable? Assam CM Demands Answers

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed serious concern over urban mismanagement in Guwahati, citing the recent fire incident at a city building where fire personnel had to battle flames for over 24 hours.

Addressing an event at the Janata Bhawan’s Lok Sewa Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that the rapid creation of urban centres in Assam’s hilly regions has led to severe water scarcity and infrastructure stress. He asserted that the newly recruited employees would play a crucial role in strengthening the urban governance system.

The Chief Minister informed that so far 1,42,029 appointment letters have been distributed. Those appointed will work under municipal corporations and urban local bodies as state government employees.

Natural Drainage Destroyed, GMC–GMDA Responsible: CM

Raising alarm over recurring waterlogging in Guwahati, the Chief Minister explained that the city’s natural drainage system has been destroyed, holding the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) responsible.

He alleged that permissions were granted for constructing large buildings close to the Bharalu River, questioning how such approvals were issued even near ministers’ residences.

“People have built houses right inside river areas. When eviction drives are initiated, they produce original documents—copies of which were issued by our own officials,” he said.

Big Political Remark at Vajpayee Bhawan Meeting

In a strong political statement during a review meeting at Vajpayee Bhawan, the Chief Minister warned that MLAs involved in misappropriation of funds meant for temples and namghars would not be given party tickets.

Without naming anyone, he indirectly targeted a Guwahati-based MLA, stating that some legislators sanction ₹3,000 in grants but pass on only ₹2,000 to beneficiaries.

The remarks were made during a review meeting ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Assam.

The meeting was attended by the state BJP president along with several senior party leaders and workers.

Also Read: Assam Cabinet Pushes Development Agenda Ahead of PM Modi’s Guwahati, Namrup Visit