The Assam government on Tuesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a woman who was swept away amid severe waterlogging in Maligaon following heavy rainfall in Guwahati on April 19. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota.
During the meeting, the District Commissioner was directed to initiate a detailed probe to fix responsibility for the incident. Officials indicated that cases involving loss of life due to preventable causes would be dealt with strictly.
The deceased, identified as Payel Nath Das, was a resident of the Dharapur locality. According to reports, she accidentally fell into an uncovered manhole as floodwaters rapidly accumulated during the intense downpour. She was subsequently swept away by the strong current. Her body was recovered nearly 250 metres from the spot where she fell.
Authorities have issued multiple directives in the aftermath of the incident. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, and district administrations have been asked to ensure timely weather forecasts and prompt dissemination of advisories.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been instructed to maintain drainage systems and keep pumping mechanisms operational round-the-clock. Civic bodies, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, along with other departments, have been directed to remain on high alert in flood-prone areas.
The review meeting was convened after heavy rainfall battered the city, with several areas recording nearly 120 mm of rain within a few hours, leading to widespread waterlogging and disruption of normal life.
Officials said coordinated efforts are underway to restore normalcy even as forecasts point to continued adverse weather conditions. The IMD has predicted that parts of Assam are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two to three days.
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