GUWAHATI, May 15: The Kamrup Metro district administration has directed all concerned departments, including the enforcement agencies, not to permit any earth cutting and earth filling-activity in hilly terrain, water bodies and in low-lying areas of the district till the monsoon season is over (October 31, 2026).
The directive has been issued to Revenue Circle Officers, District Police, Forest Departments, PWD, Transport Department, Soil Conservation Department, planning and regulatory bodies such as GMC, GMDA, Panchayat functionaries, etc.
“Again, in view of the grave situation arising out of the recent landslide in and around Guwahati City, it is also hereby directed that no earth cutting should be allowed till the monsoon season is over, even if permission has been procured from the regulatory authorities like GMDA, GMC for any construction activity,” the DC stated in the order.
It is further directed not to allow carrying of earth procured after hill cutting. “Before procuring, the procurer should ensure that the earth is not out of hill cutting,” the order read.
All the concerned departments and regulatory bodies have been directed to take steps to review the permission accorded, if any during the current year and take steps to cancel those permissions forthwith in the most vulnerable areas prone to landslide and flash floods considering the present risk and vulnerability in the hilly terrains, water bodies and low-lying areas of the district.
This order has been issued in the greater public interest and in accordance with provisions laid down under Sections 30.2 (III) (V), (VI), (VIII). (IX), (XI). (XX), (XXIII), and Section 41 (c) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Notably, more than 300 locations, identified as landslide-prone zones, in Guwahati are under close surveillance amid heavy rain even as public awareness initiatives have been intensified to alert residents living in such vulnerable pockets.
“It is observed that unscientific and haphazard earth cutting and earth filling in the hillocks as well as in the low-lying areas of the district for unplanned construction of works destabilises the natural earth slopes, blocks natural drains, clogs natural and artificial drains which triggers severe landslides, artificial flood, persistent water logging during the rainy days resulting in substantial loss of human and cattle lives and destruction of properties,” the order read.
