Guwahati floods worsen as wetlands are encroached for housing — 45,000 affected in 2025

Guwahati's urban flood events (July–September 2025) affected 45,000 residents, a 40% increase from 2024. A satellite analysis by IIT Guwahati maps significant reduction in wetland area (beel/bheel) in the southern and eastern growth corridors since 2018. These wetlands served as natural retention basins. GMC's URDPFI master plan designates them as 'green zones' but enforcement has been absent. A wetland demarcation and encroachment survey is needed as a first step.