Silchar Faces Severe Flooding Amid Heavy Rainfall: Residents Demand Action
Severe Flooding in Silchar Due to Continuous Rain
Heavy rain caused landslide at Badarpur Jhum Basti on Friday morning
Silchar, May 15: Following relentless rainfall since Thursday night, residents of Silchar experienced familiar flooding issues on Friday, as predicted by weather forecasts. The downpour led to roads being submerged, disrupting daily activities.
Continuous rain overnight and into the morning resulted in numerous areas being inundated, with shops and homes affected, forcing commuters to navigate through flooded streets. This situation highlighted the city's ongoing struggle with urban waterlogging during the monsoon season.
As images of flooded roads and stranded vehicles circulated on social media, residents expressed their frustration and anger online. Many questioned how even newly developed neighborhoods were now experiencing waterlogging, despite previous assurances regarding drainage improvements.
“The drainage infrastructure is inadequate, canals are clogged, and water discharge systems are ineffective, worsening the situation every monsoon,” locals lamented, questioning why comprehensive drainage and canal-clearing efforts were not completed during the dry season, given the history of flooding.
Videos and photos from affected areas, including newer neighborhoods, were widely shared, with many users sarcastically commenting on the city's failure to prepare for the monsoon.
From Bilpar to Vivekananda Road, and Link Road to Radhamadhab Road, residents across the second-largest urban area in the state struggled through knee-deep water, carrying children, pushing stranded vehicles, and attempting to safeguard their belongings amid ongoing flooding concerns.
One particularly distressing incident occurred on Vivekananda Road, where individuals were reportedly forced to carry a deceased person through floodwaters to reach the crematorium, highlighting the human toll of this recurring crisis.
Shops remained partially submerged, commuters were stranded, and many homes experienced rainwater intrusion, leaving families anxious as the drainage system failed to manage the heavy rainfall once again.
In response to the situation, Devid Borah, ADC and CEO of the Cachar District Disaster Management Authority, stated that teams had been dispatched to evaluate conditions in the affected areas. He noted that efforts had recently been made to clear debris from Rangirkhal, Longaikhal, and Singirkhal to enhance water flow.
Earlier in April, Cachar District Commissioner Aayush Garg led a multi-agency inspection of key areas in Silchar to assess the drainage network. The administration reiterated its commitment to addressing clogged canals and encroachments that contribute to urban flooding.
“Our goal is not just temporary relief but sustainable solutions for urban flood mitigation,” the DC emphasized, calling for coordinated and accountable actions.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya announced plans to discuss with the District Commissioner and relevant officials to accelerate canal-clearing efforts, enabling faster drainage of accumulated water.
As heavy rains continue to reveal the same vulnerabilities year after year, residents are urging for immediate and long-term solutions, warning that without effective drainage systems, Silchar will persistently face severe flooding each monsoon season.