Night-long rain throws life out of gear; MLA Silchar assures to find a lasting solution

July 21: Rain, incessant rain is the only happening thing in all the three districts of Barak Valley. However, speaking about Silchar, it could be said that it’s water all the way one could see. Torrential rainfall during Monday night engulfed major parts of the 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. “The authorities should construct proper drainage system to facilitate easy flow of water. We have been facing the brunt of artificial flood during every monsoon. Even a brief spell of heavy rain leads to artificial flooding,” said a man who owns a shop near Silchar National Highway Point.  To add to the woe, traffic came to a standstill. “With every spell of rain, our streets are flooded; this has been the norm here,” said a man struck in the traffic who went to purchase medicines from a shop at Ambicapatty. Water was flowing fast through the road near the National Highway point. Many areas were seen under knee deep water due to the city’s poor drainage system.

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.”

Dipayan Chakraborty said that, “This is an old problem of Silchar town. I have talked about this with the Chief Minister and some other ministers like Jogen Mohan and Pijush Hazarika. Just by constructing a few drains in some wards will not solve this problem. You know that until and unless the Rangirkhal, Singir khal and other such khals are freed from encroachments, permanent solution of this issue is not possible. I am trying my best to find a lasting solution of this issue.”

He further said that he has prioritized three issues- water logging, pure drinking water and traffic congestion in Silchar. “Meanwhile, along with Silchar MP Dr Rajdeep Roy, we have started to work on this issues. Please have patience and wait for a few more days, so that we can find a permanent solution of these problems. I also solicit the cooperation of the people in this respect. We will seek your advice and as per your direction, we in association with the district administration will do our best in this regard,” added MLA Chakraborty.