GUWAHATI: Guwahati, once again, found itself under siege on Monday, August 5, as torrential rain exposed the city’s Achilles heel - its susceptibility to artificial flooding. While the downpour was undoubtedly a major factor, the city’s infrastructure, particularly the recent mushrooming of flyovers, has come under intense scrutiny.
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Critics and residents argue that far from easing traffic congestion, these elevated structures have greatly increased the flooding problem. The concrete behemoths obstruct natural water flow, forcing rainwater to accumulate in low-lying areas. The situation was devastating on Monday as majority of the areas were under water due to incessant rain from late afternoon, submerging everything and bringing the city to a standstill.
Speaking to GPlus, Moni Kr. Das said, “We can now see the adverse effects of building so many flyovers throughout Guwahati, without proper planning and management. This has severely increased the flooding problem throughout the city, and we get inundated within moments of rainfall. Is this the city our Honourable CM deems so highly of?”
This problem coupled with an already inefficient sewerage system, has turned many parts of the city into veritable lakes. The situation has highlighted the city's ongoing struggle with waterlogging, despite efforts by the government to improve drainage infrastructure.
The Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, under Minister Ashok Singhal, has made several attempts to address the issue, including the use of advanced machinery to drain the sewers. However, these measures have proven insufficient in preventing the recurring problem of artificial floods.
In this context, talking to GPlus, Anil Kalita, a resident of Chandmari said, “Guwahati yesterday turned into a water body. This can also be attributed to the improper sewage systems throughout the city. You have already seen the entire city flooding, and where will all the rain water go without proper drainage? Rubber boats and ships will be the need of the future as many have already seen yesterday!”
The construction of flyovers in Guwahati has been a protracted affair, often stretching for years. This not only inconveniences commuters but also disrupts local businesses. Moreover, the projects have become synonymous with corruption, with allegations of inflated costs and substandard work rampant. People believe that the money siphoned off from these projects could have been better utilised to improve the city’s drainage system and overall infrastructure.
Many people are blaming this as one of the sole reasons for the current situation of the city. Another resident of Bhangagarh said, “ You can see where our tax money and the loot from all the flyover construction has gone to. Corrupt officials and improper management has led our city literaally down the drain. We were stuck yesterday for almost 8 hours on the road but no help came from the authorities. We could not contact anyone. Tell us, who will help in such situations?”
The focus on flyovers as a solution for traffic woes has diverted attention from more holistic solutions like proper drainage, public transport, better road management, and intelligent traffic systems.
While speaking to GPlus, an official from Public Works department, however, said, "Flyovers are not a reason for flood in Guwahati. There are instances where residents who stay below the flyovers faced problems in travelling but, the rest of the public used the flyovers instead. Although traffic congestion was hard hitting, it was due to the amount of rainfall. Several places witnessed rainfall from 90-130 mm. Guwahati's existing problem is drainage and everyone is to be blamed for that."
"The houses should be at a distance of 15 meters from the rivers in the city. But, there are no such provisions. Permissions are granted to erect buildings without any sustainable planning. Cluttered drains, narrow water bodies and concrete structure of grounds are the prime factors," added the official.
Entire Guwahati came to a standstill on August 5 after it experienced heavy downpour for a few hours. Several areas of Guwahati still continue to be waterlogged and people were stuck in hour-long traffic jams. Many had to resort to boarding backhoe loaders or rubber boats to navigate the streets or reach their destinations. Several four-wheelers and two-wheelers were reported to have submerged in the flooded streets of Guwahati.
Several key areas, including Chandmari, Noonmati, Bamunimaidan, GS Road, Ulubari, Guwahati Club, Ambari, Rukmini Gaon, Hatigaon, Beltola, Ganeshguri, Gandhibasti, Rajgarh, Lachit Nagar, and others, were submerged under water. The flooding led to severe traffic jams and made blocked many roads, leaving commuters stranded and residents struggling to cope with the deluge.
