Silchar: Several parts of Silchar were inundated on Sunday morning after an overnight spell of heavy rain exposed the city's chronic drainage problems, causing widespread inconvenience to residents.
Waterlogging in Key Areas
Waterlogging was reported from several key locations, including the National Highway Point on Hailakandi Road, Link Road, Sonai Road, Bilpar and Shyama Prasad Road. In several parts of the city, overflowing drains triggered traffic snarls, making vehicular movement excruciatingly slow.
Residents Voice Concerns
"We face the same situation every monsoon. A few hours of rain are enough to bring the city to a standstill. The authorities clean the drains occasionally, but there is no permanent solution," a Bilpar resident said on condition of anonymity.
Another resident from the Sonai Road area said water had entered several low-lying lanes, causing inconvenience to residents and shopkeepers. "The drains are either clogged or too narrow to handle the volume of water. Unless the drainage network is upgraded, this problem will continue year after year," a shopkeeper said.
Civic Activists Blame Garbage Dumping
Civic activists pointed out that indiscriminate dumping of garbage into drains has further aggravated the problem, calling for stricter enforcement and better maintenance of drainage channels. With the monsoon only beginning, residents expressed concern over the city's preparedness to tackle heavier spells of rain in the coming weeks, urging the authorities to undertake regular drain-cleaning drives and expedite long-pending projects to provide a permanent solution to the recurring waterlogging crisis.
"The real test of urban infrastructure comes during the monsoon, and unfortunately Silchar continues to struggle every year. We need a modern drainage system, not temporary measures," said a local resident.
About the Author
BB Goswami is a seasoned journalist with The Times of India, reporting from Silchar. Known for his sharp political insights and grassroots coverage, he brings depth to stories from Barak Valley and beyond. His work reflects a commitment to factual reporting and amplifying voices from Assam's southern frontier.
