Severe Flooding in Margherita Highlights Administrative Failures

Recent heavy rainfall in Margherita has led to significant flooding, exposing years of neglect by local authorities. Residents are frustrated with the inadequate drainage systems and poor urban planning that have caused chronic waterlogging. Despite repeated appeals to local MLA Bhaskar Sharma, no effective solutions have been implemented. The situation has disrupted daily life, affecting families, commuters, and businesses. As anger grows, residents are threatening mass protests if concrete actions are not taken to address the flooding crisis. This situation highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and management to prevent future disasters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 18:07 IST

Severe Flooding in Margherita

Hojai, July 16: A night of relentless rain on Wednesday revealed what locals termed as years of neglect by authorities, as numerous areas within the 83 No. Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency faced severe flooding.

The flooding disrupted daily life in Ledo, Bargolai, and Margherita, leaving countless families, commuters, students, and business owners struggling with waterlogged streets and inundated properties on Thursday.

Residents contended that the flooding was not solely due to heavy rainfall but stemmed from a deficient drainage system, ineffective stormwater management, and a lack of comprehensive urban planning.

Public frustration was directed towards government officials, especially three-time MLA Bhaskar Sharma, who many accused of neglecting to address the persistent issue despite numerous appeals over the years.

"The affected regions have been enduring chronic waterlogging for decades. Each instance of moderate to heavy rain turns roads, markets, and residential areas into virtual lakes, causing significant distress to the public. Despite repeated promises from elected officials and authorities, no viable or lasting solution has been put in place," claimed a member of the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.

Among the most severely impacted areas were Ledo Railway Station and its adjacent commercial and residential zones. The Ledo-Bargolai-Margherita stretch of the National Highway was also flooded, hindering traffic and complicating movement for both pedestrians and drivers. Commuters were observed navigating through knee-deep water, while many vehicles struggled to traverse the submerged roads.

Residents pointed to the ongoing crisis as a result of poorly designed drainage systems and inadequate upkeep of existing drainage infrastructure. They claimed that blocked and undersized drains consistently fail to effectively channel rainwater, leading to significant waterlogging even after brief rain showers.

"MLA Bhaskar Sharma has not succeeded in finding a lasting solution. He has been unable to secure any initiatives from Dispur for the local populace. The drains are not designed scientifically, which is why even the National Highway becomes flooded," the organization member asserted.

The organization cautioned that if the MLA does not take decisive action to address the artificial flooding, they would initiate a mass protest.