Guwahati, July 21 -- The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Assam's Guwahati was demolished on Monday as part of the ongoing government drive to free Silsako Beel from encroachments, officials said.

The eviction, carried out under the supervision of the district administration, is part of a broader initiative to clear the natural waterbody of both private and government structures in an effort to tackle recurring urban flooding in Assam's capital city.

"This is a difficult but necessary step," said Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. "While IHM contributed to the city's education sector, the larger concern is the protection of Guwahati from devastating floods. We must act in the interest of the city's future." ...