Water logging: If required we will demolish the culvert at Ambicapatty, says SMB authority

July 22: Torrential rainfall during Tuesday night engulfed major parts of Silchar town. Heavy rain also submerged various areas, adding to the misery of the urban dwellers. Clogged drains resulted in artificial floods in areas like Ambicapatty, National Highway, N.S. Avenue, Malugram, Link Road, Sonai Road, Public School Road etc. However, in Ambicapatty area, the problem of water logging assumed a very serious look. A culvert constructed at Ambicapatty point became the centre of controversy.

On Wednesday, normal life was derailed at larger Ambicapatty area due to water logging. Finally, the residents of the area decided to block the Chourangi point. Meanwhile, on getting information, Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli rushed to the spot and assured to send technical team to sort out the problem. However, the assurances failed to pacify the residents and they continued road blockade on Thursday.

In the afternoon, engineers from Silchar Municipal Board (SMB) and another Executive Engineer of PWD (Roads) came for spot verification. The local residents also came forward and narrated their woe. Former Ward Commissioner of Ward No. 22, Tamal Kanti Banik also had a detailed discussion with the engineers. It was pointed out that the culvert constructed at Ambicapatty point had several flaws, which is one of the causes of water logging. However, the chocked drains which needs to be immediately excavated was also pointed out.

Finally, it was decided that a comprehensive sketch of the area would be prepared by the PWD (Roads) and SMB within a week. It was then that the local residents would be consulted and a practical solution of the problem of water logging would be arrived at. Expressing his views, Tamal Kanti Banik, former Chairperson of SMB said, “Actually, the culvert at Chourangi Point was built in an unscientific manner, which has made the long standing issue of water logging in the area more complex.” As regards excavating Rangir Khal and Singir Khal, Tamal Banik said, “Rs 42 crore was sanctioned for this purpose of excavating the “khals: more than 5 years ago. The PWD along with Water Works Department at that time also prepared the DPR for this purpose. But during the 5 years tenure, the last Municipal Board has not done anything in this connection. At present, I don’t know what has happened to that amount.”

Meanwhile, Jesicca Lalsim, Executive Officer of Silchar Municipal Board has said that the team of engineers of the board will sincerely study the issue and try to find a lasting solution to this issue of water logging at Ambicapatty. She further said, if needed, the culvert from Chourangi point to Bharati corner may be broken and the drains will be fully cleared by removing the culverts one can be built after consulting with the engineers and the local residents.

In a video posted posted in social media, Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty who is presently in Guwahati due to the ongoing Budget session said, “Due to incessant rains on Tuesday night, various wards of Silchar town like, Ward No 2, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 22, 26, 27 etc. have been submerged. I am really very worried. You all have voted me to power with great hope. I am trying to find out a permanent solution on water logging problem of Silchar Town. In the ongoing Budget session I am trying to bring forth a few encroached drainage areas to the notice of the Government so that proper mapped drains can be constructed.”