A waterlogged street. File picture

Jan. 19: The water resource department has submitted a proposal to Dispur seeking funds to procure adequate hi-tech gadgets to effectively carry out a desiltation drive to minimise the problem of waterlogging.

A source said the department had last year procured six chain-mounted excavators, four hollow barges and hi-powered pump sets to dredge the rivers, including the Bharalu, the Bahini and the Mora Bharalu. But these seem to be inadequate to tackle the problem.

“Considering the gravity of the problem of waterlogging in the city, there is an urgent need to procure more such equipment for desiltation. Moreover, some of the excavators and hollow barges procured last year have developed technical snags. The department has sought funds to buy four more excavators and three hollow barges to dredge the rivers and drainage before the monsoon,” the source said.

The department has requisitioned for 20 hi-powered pump sets to flush out rainwater from the city.

The water resource department has been facing strong criticism from different quarters because of ineffective execution of the desiltation drive over the years which has resulted in severe waterlogging in different parts of the city, including the busy GS Road.

The source said the main constraint for the water resource department was inadequate machinery. “It is impossible to expect quality work if the desiltation drive is carried out manually. Hi-tech machinery must be procured. The department will properly train its personnel to operate the equipment,” he added.

The chain-mounted excavators can effectively lift silt and garbage from the rivers and drains, which is not possible manually.

Besides funds for hi-tech gadgets, the water resource department has also requested the state government to release funds for the desiltation drive within February so that work can be finished properly and scientifically before the onset of monsoon.

“Delay in releasing funds has previously resulted in ineffective execution of the scheme in many areas. This should not be repeated this year,” the source said.