Despite the flyover’s aim to reduce traffic congestion, the failure to address water drainage has rendered the effort ineffective during the monsoon season
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The recently completed flyovers on National Highway 27 from Jalukbari to Khanapara, intended to alleviate traffic congestion, have become a point of contention due to flooding issues near the Boragaon flyover. The area, designed to facilitate smoother transportation, is now a flood-prone zone, leaving residents and commuters frustrated and questioning the planning and execution by the authorities.
In the Boragaon area, an hour of heavy rainfall results in knee-level water accumulation, posing significant threats to safety and property. The situation is magnified by the fact that the project was recently completed, adding to the public's dismay and ridicule of the authorities for such an outcome.
A resident, Umesh Kalita, who lives nearby, expressed his frustration: "We were promised our lives would become easier, not harder. It's shocking that a new project like this was not planned with the monsoon in mind. The authorities have failed us."
Commuters also voice their grievances. A daily commuter, says, "Every time it rains, I worry about getting stuck or damaging my vehicle. The water level rises so quickly, and it feels like no one thought about the drainage system when planning this infrastructure."
Local drivers are equally affected, with many avoiding the area during heavy rain. Ujit Das, a cab driver, explains, "The waterlogging is a nightmare. We have to find alternate routes, which increases our travel time and costs. It's a disaster for us."
The public's ire is directed at the authorities for their lack of foresight and planning. Critics argue that despite the project's aim to reduce traffic congestion, the failure to address water drainage has rendered the effort ineffective during the monsoon season.
The project, touted as a major infrastructure development, now faces scrutiny for its shortcomings. Experts in urban planning and civil engineering highlight the lack of adequate drainage systems as a critical flaw in the design.
An engineering student from a city-based private university comments, "The problem is systemic. There seems to be a lack of coordination between the departments responsible for infrastructure and those managing water resources. We need a more integrated approach to urban planning."
The Boragaon flyover's flooding problem is not an isolated issue. The broader Guwahati area has faced similar challenges in the past, with frequent reports of waterlogging during the monsoon season.
Data from local media outlets reveals that Boragaon and its surrounding areas have been prone to flooding for years. Reports indicate that inadequate drainage systems and rapid urbanisation have intensified the problem.
An article from 2019 highlighted the recurring issue of waterlogging in Guwahati, pointing out that despite numerous promises from authorities to improve the drainage infrastructure, little had been done.
In 2021, another report detailed the plight of residents during the monsoon, with many areas, including Boragaon, experiencing severe flooding. The article noted that the city's drainage capacity was insufficient to handle heavy rainfall, leading to frequent water accumulation.
The new flyover was expected to address some of these issues by improving traffic flow and infrastructure. However, its current state has led to more problems than solutions.
Faced with mounting criticism, the local authorities have acknowledged the problem. An official from the Public Works Department (PWD) stated, "We recognise the issues that have arisen around the new flyover. The work was under NHAI. The drains built by them are smaller in size. On the other hand, the water that flows down from the hills in that area cannot seep through those drains. As a result it gets flooded. The drainage system should be enhanced so that flooding is minimised. I am sure plans are underway."
Despite these assurances, residents remain sceptical, having heard similar promises in the past. Many are calling for immediate action and a comprehensive review of the project's planning and implementation.
Local government officials have also been urged to collaborate more closely with environmental experts and urban planners to develop sustainable solutions. The aim is to create infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and prevent future flooding.
The Boragaon flyover's flooding issues have sparked a broader conversation about urban development and planning in Guwahati. Residents and activists are demanding greater accountability and transparency from authorities, as well as more public consultation in future projects.
One resident, Anjali Borah, sums up the general sentiment: "We need our leaders to listen to us and understand our concerns. Infrastructure is meant to improve our quality of life, not make it more difficult."
The situation has also highlighted the importance of considering environmental factors in urban planning. With climate change leading to unpredictable weather patterns, experts emphasise the need for cities like Guwahati to be resilient and adaptable.
A civil engineering professor from a private institution, suggests, "It's crucial that we adopt a holistic approach to urban development. This means considering everything from drainage systems to green spaces and ensuring that infrastructure is built to last."
The flooding issues near the Boragaon flyover serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing rapidly growing cities. As Guwahati continues to expand, the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure becomes ever more critical.
While the authorities have pledged to address the current problems, the true test will be in the effectiveness and timeliness of their actions. For now, residents remain cautiously hopeful that their voices will be heard and that meaningful change will follow.
As the city looks to the future, the lessons learned from the Boragaon flyover's flooding issues could pave the way for better planning and more robust infrastructure, ensuring that projects truly serve the needs of the community.
