Bulldozer hits OKD Institute at Silsakoo in presence of DoHUA minister Jayanta Mallabaruah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2025

In a significant step towards mitigating urban flooding in Guwahati, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah was present on Tuesday during the eviction drive at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) in Silsakoo. The eviction forms a crucial part of the state government’s ambitious Silsakoo Reservoir Project aimed at long-term flood management.

Speaking to the media, the Minister underscored the importance of the ongoing eviction efforts in the Silsakoo area. He clarified that the demolition of certain structures is essential for facilitating the construction of a large retention tank or reservoir to help manage floodwaters more effectively. Several illegally occupied structures have already been cleared in earlier phases of the drive.

Addressing concerns of fairness, Minister Mallabaruah emphasized that the eviction process is being carried out uniformly and is not targeted at any particular group or institution. He noted that establishments such as Ginger Hotel, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), and OKDISCD are also part of the project’s scope. In the case of OKDISCD, the land required for the project has been amicably identified following constructive dialogue and mutual agreement. Though relocation involves demolition, the process is being carried out respectfully and with prior understanding.

The Minister further announced a phased timeline for the evictions. The cooperative institution will be relocated by 30th May, followed by IHM in June. Ginger Hotel and the tennis court will be shifted in subsequent phases. The government has assured full support to all institutions during the transition.

“Our goal is to complete the eviction process before the onset of this year’s flood season,” the Minister stated. Excavation work for the reservoir is scheduled to begin during the dry season and will span all earmarked zones. Once completed, the reservoir will have the capacity to store substantial volumes of floodwater and discharge it safely into the Brahmaputra River, thereby significantly reducing flood risk in Guwahati.

“This project represents the realization of a long-standing vision,” he added. “Evicting long-established institutions was once seen as a major challenge, but today, we are collectively moving forward to transform this vision into reality.”

On the matter of displaced individuals who were occupying government land, the Minister informed that compensation has already been disbursed to those on the verified beneficiary list. Genuine claimants who were previously excluded are currently being verified by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and their compensation will be released by government norms.

The same systematic and transparent process will be followed for the upcoming evictions involving IHM, Ginger Hotel, and the tennis court. The land has already been allotted to OKDISCD and the cooperative institution for relocating their operations without delay.

Currently, five major sites have been identified for eviction under the project. Excavation will commence in the upcoming dry season. If the Brahmaputra’s water level remains low, the collected floodwater will be released into the river. If the level is high, the reservoir will retain the water to prevent backflow, offering essential protection for the city.

The Minister expressed optimism that the excavation work would be completed within six months but acknowledged that timelines may vary due to environmental and administrative factors. “If we remain on track, Guwahati could witness significant flood relief by the next monsoon,” he said. “In the long run, the reservoir will serve as a key flood control infrastructure for the city.”

He also stressed that projects of this scale require time, due legal diligence, and close coordination among multiple stakeholders.

In addition to overseeing the demolition at OKDISCD, Minister Mallabaruah conducted an on-ground assessment of flood-affected areas in Guwahati earlier today. Notably, he traversed waterlogged streets on a two-wheeler to review conditions firsthand and directed officials to expedite relief and mitigation measures.

GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka, DoHUA Commissioner & Secretary Kavita Padmanabhan, officials of GMDA & District Administration were present during the demolition of the structure.