Residents of Sribhumi town in Silchar staged a road blockade on Brajendra Road on Sunday, demanding permanent solutions to the persistent problem of waterlogging and artificial floods that have plagued the area for years.
Drainage system failures
According to local resident Ashoketaru Chaudhury, most drains in the town have become defunct over the past few years. Although some drainage work was undertaken last year, allegations of large-scale corruption surfaced during implementation. At several locations, newly constructed drain walls collapsed after rainfall, exacerbating the crisis.
Heavy rainfall has led to severe waterlogging in various parts of Silchar, exposing the chronic drainage crisis that residents face every monsoon season. A Saratpally resident noted, "Roads in our locality go under water within hours of rainfall. Children, elderly people, and office-goers face immense hardship."
Artificial flood in Hailakandi
Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days has triggered an artificial flood-like situation in several parts of Hailakandi district. Large areas remain submerged, disrupting normal life and daily activities.
The protests underscore the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and accountability in drainage projects to prevent recurring waterlogging and its impact on residents.
