SHILLONG, JUL 26: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday dismissed allegations linking Meghalaya to floods in Assam, stating that the issue is related to geography and infrastructure rather than blame.

Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said floods occur primarily in lower-lying areas and cannot be entirely foreseen due to unpredictable rainfall.

“I should not think anything about it. You need to go and see for yourself. Floods happen because of certain reasons. It is not in the hilly areas, it happens in the lower levels,” Tynsong said.

He added that inadequate drainage and infrastructure in low-lying areas often contribute to waterlogging.

“When you are in the lower level, if proper drainage or proper infrastructure is not designed, then naturally it happens. And you cannot even know exactly when you are going to receive heavy rainfall or low rainfall. Humanly speaking, it is not possible to foresee all these challenges,” he said.

Addressing the recurring blame on Meghalaya, the Deputy CM said both states are jointly responsible for mitigation efforts.

“So therefore, this blame comes to Meghalaya time and again. It comes to Meghalaya just because we are in the higher level, whereas Assam is in the lower level. So we cannot help it. It is not possible to directly blame Meghalaya, nor is it possible for Meghalaya to blame Assam. Ultimately, we are both responsible. We are together responsible,” Tynsong said.

He noted that consultants engaged by the state and central governments have already factored in drainage and culvert systems in upcoming projects.

“In fact, the concerned consultants engaged by either the state or central government have already included this component. They need to also take into consideration all these issues. The drainage system has to be properly done, the culvert system has to be in place,” he said.

Tynsong also highlighted an upcoming 6-lane ring road project in Assam, saying it would benefit Meghalaya through improved connectivity.

“See, in Assam they will have a 6-lane ring road. So it will benefit Meghalaya because from Sonapur we will convert Meghalaya towards Silchar as a speed corridor. And from Sonapur it will connect somewhere in the Ri-Bhoi side, that speed corridor, and it will meet somewhere in Umiam,” he added.