Local
Silchar Faces Severe Waterlogging Crisis: Residents of Low-Lying Areas Struggle Amid Administrative Inaction
Silchar, July 7, 2024, [Barakoutlet]: – Continuous rains have once again wreaked havoc in Silchar, leading to severe waterlogging in various low-lying areas. While the central parts of the town remain relatively unaffected, neighborhoods like Malini Bill, currently known as Sishumandir, and a significant portion of Tapoban Nagar are bearing the brunt of the deluge. Residents of these areas are grappling with submerged streets and homes, forcing many to seek refuge in schools or other available shelters.
The waterlogging has primarily been attributed to the inadequate drainage system in these localities. The roads near Girish Road Point have also been significantly affected, with water levels rising to the point of submerging parts of the main road. Inside Sishumandir, the situation is dire, with entire areas submerged and residents relying on boats for transportation. Notably, half of the Sishumandir road is now underwater, prompting more residents to leave their homes for safer shelters.
Despite the severity of the situation, there appears to be a stark indifference from the local administration. The focus remains on areas of the town that are not experiencing waterlogging, leaving the affected residents feeling abandoned. The low-lying nature of these regions means that they are natural catchments for runoff from higher areas, exacerbating the flooding issue.
Local residents Jahar Lal Das, Sudhin Das, and Krishna Das expressed their frustration to Barakoutlet, stating, “Ministers only reach out to us when it’s about votes, but in this crisis, no one has come to support us.” This sentiment of abandonment is widespread among the affected population, highlighting the urgent need for administrative action.
The current crisis mirrors the 2022 waterlogging incident, where large motor pumps were effectively used in Banglaghat to alleviate the flooding. This solution could be replicated now to provide immediate relief to the beleaguered residents. However, a long-term solution remains the installation of a proper drainage system to prevent such occurrences in the future.
One official from the flood control department noted that the water level of the Barak River is comparatively decreasing but not enough to open the sluice gate, as doing so now would allow river water to inundate the town further. Despite this, local residents are demanding the use of motor pumps for water extraction to mitigate the flooding.
The silence from the authorities is deafening, as thousands of people in Malini Bill and Tapoban Nagar continue to endure the hardships brought on by the artificial flood. The urgency of the situation calls for immediate action, not just temporary relief measures, but a commitment to installing an effective drainage system to protect these vulnerable areas from future flooding.
It is imperative for the administration to recognize the plight of these residents and take swift, decisive action to address the waterlogging. The lives and well-being of thousands depend on it.
