Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday convened a high–level meeting to discuss the post–flood scenario in Guwahati. As an immediate measure, as many as 377 areas in the city have been declared landslide prone and measures initiated to bring about awareness in these areas. Gogoi asked the Kamrup metropolitan district administration and the departments concerned to free all water channels from obstructions impeding the flow of water from the city. “All encroachments on the water channels must be cleared to ensure flow of water from the city,” he said. Evictions would be carried out on encroachments simultaneously along the Bharalu, Mora Bharulu, Bahini and other water channels from Monday, a press release said. The meeting, while discussing about the 377 landslide–prone areas that have been identified, decided to issue warnings to the people living there to move out on their own within the next 48 hours. As many as nine squads, each of which is led by a magistrate, have been formed to bring about awareness among the public. The squads have GMC, GMDA and police officials also in them. The district administration would provide temporary arrangements for the stay of people in case of them being evicted. The Chief Minister also directed the Water Resources Department and the GMC to keep a close watch on the situation and to keep the water pumps functional round the clock. Gogoi asked the agencies to procure and hire water pumps mounted on trolley to discharge the excess water. “Additional manpower can be hired by the Water Resources Department and the GMC on contractual basis to man the water pumps round the clock,” he said. Gogoi asked the GMC and the PWD (Roads) to clear the silt and garbage by Monday evening. The Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (M) would supervise the cleaning process and assist the agencies with additional manpower and resources. All commercial establishments would be asked to ensure proper disposal of garbage as per legal provisions otherwise penal provisions like cancellation of trade license would be done. Commissioner and Secretary, Political, Prateek Hajela would brief the media daily on the measures taken by the agencies and departments to mitigate the situation. The Chief Minister instructed the GMDA to prepare a comprehensive plan for an alternative drainage along the National Highway to discharge the excess water from the city. Gogoi asked the officials to open a public grievance redressal cell in the CMO to receive complaints from the public and to solicit suggestions on how to tackle a crisis and also on other vital issues concerning the people. Helpline number and website of DC Metro and GMC will also include provision for receiving suggestions. The Chief Minister asked the DC, Kamrup (M) to diagnose the reasons triggering the flooding in Guwahati and measures to tackle it. The meeting discussed about enforcing strictly use of plastic bags as per existing laws as plastic bags has been one of the factors that led to flooding in Guwahati. The Chief Minister directed the CEO, Revenue and Disaster Management, Ajay Tewari to prepare a standard operating procedure involving all the departments and agencies concerned to tackle any flood–related crisis. The meeting discussed relief materials being provided to the affected people. Gogoi also asked GMC to prepare an estimate plan for lighting up the streets in Guwahati. It was decided that funds would be earmarked to the GMC to light up the streets soon. The meeting was attended, among others, by GDD Minister Ajanta Neog, GMDA Chairman Robin Bordoloi, Additional Chief Secrectary VK Pipersenia, Principal Secretary to CM MGVK Bhanu, GMDA CEO M. Angamuthu, PWD Commissioner and Special Secretary Mohon Boro and officials of PHED, Revenue & Disaster Management and the GMC.