GUWAHATI: Guwahati has been grappling with excessive rainfall over the past few days, unleashing a spate of flash floods in several neighbourhoods. This unrelenting downpour has left residents struggling to navigate their surroundings, with the city's infrastructure put to the test.
Guwahati is a city that is perpetually under development and has seen ongoing efforts to improve its drainage system. Initiatives such as de-siltation drives and the operation of "super suckers" to clear sewage have been undertaken to mitigate the risk of flash floods.
However, despite these measures, the city still finds itself ill-equipped to cope with the aftermath of relentless rains. Just one night of continuous downpour is enough to submerge entire sections of the city.
Following Thursday night's torrential rains, many areas within Guwahati now resemble waterlogged islands, making commuting through these areas a challenge. Residents are advised to steer clear of these affected zones whenever possible to ensure their safety.
GPlus, after gathering information from residents residing in various neighbourhoods across the city, has identified the areas most severely impacted by the recent floods.
Among the worst-affected areas are Rukminigaon, Sijubari, Hatigaon, Lakhimi Nagar, Zoo Road, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Rajgarh, Gandhi Basti, Pub Sarania, beneath the Maligaon Flyover, Boragaon, Mamoni Raison Goswami Road in Chandmari, Kahilipara, Dakshin Gaon, Gotaguli in Panjabari, Bokhrapara in Basishtha, Sewali Path, Ujjal Path in Jyotikuchi, Jilika Path in Panjabari, Natun Path in Hatigaon, and more.
Compounding the situation, the floods have forced commuters to divert from major roads, causing extensive traffic congestion and snail-paced movement.
Certain areas of the city have witnessed a substantial surge in traffic volume following the Thursday night rain. These congested zones include AK Azad Road, Nepali Mandir, B Barooah Road, Uluabri, Guwahati Club, Hengrabari, Ganeshguri, parts of GS Road, parts of Zoo Road, Chandmari, and Bharalumukh.
Guwahati now grapples with a perplexing scenario where some regions are submerged underwater, while others are choked with traffic. Commuting across the city is expected to be exceedingly challenging until floodwaters recede.
Moreover, visibility on roads remains dangerously low due to submerged potholes, adding another layer of risk to drivers.
One resident from Hengrabari shared his harrowing experience, saying, "Driving in these floodwaters gets very difficult. The water levels have risen significantly, and the road's visibility is practically nonexistent. Construction materials left on the road, submerged in water, pose a grave danger as we need to really navigate cautiously."
He also highlighted the perilous conditions posed by hidden potholes, particularly for two-wheelers. "Scooters, in particular, are at a higher risk of skidding if they encounter a submerged pothole, and given the waterlogged roads, avoiding them is nearly impossible due to poor visibility. Careless driving could lead to accidents," the concerned resident added.
Another resident stated that travelling at speeds exceeding 20 kilometres per hour in waterlogged areas is perilous for all vehicles, especially two-wheelers. The risk of water infiltrating vehicle engines remains a constant concern, with two-wheelers particularly vulnerable due to their lower engine placement.
One of the worst-hit areas, Anil Nagar, has been inundated since Wednesday, leaving residents and commuters frustrated and irked. Adding to the woes in Anil Nagar is the distressing sight of garbage floating around that has clogged the streets, heightening the challenges faced by the local residents.
A concerned resident of Anil Nagar, while speaking to GPlus expressed frustration, stating, "Following the heavy rainfall, our area is submerged in water, and the presence of garbage is overwhelming. Garbage is strewn all around, clogging the drains. It appears that the desiltation drive has not yielded the expected results."
A senior GMC official, speaking to GPlus, defended their efforts, stating, "The de-siltation of the area was indeed carried out successfully, and the water-pumping machinery is operational. This year, the waterlogging issue in Anil Nagar is comparatively less severe than in previous years.
"The official further added that the long-term solution lies in the proper functioning of wetlands like Silsako Beel, which, once connected to the drainage system, will alleviate the issue completely.
When asked about the persistence of garbage despite the de-siltation efforts, the official emphasised that the responsibility does not rest solely with the GMC. They noted that despite stringent regulations, the public continues to dispose of garbage on roads and in drains, making it challenging for the municipal body to maintain cleanliness in the city.
GPlus also contacted the DCP of traffic, Guwahati, Jayanta Sarathi Mahanta regarding the rise of traffic congestion in the city. To the query, Mahanta responded by stating, “The traffic congestion in the city is inevitable as people will flock to the non-affected areas and this will create congestion. Until the water recedes, there is not much that can be done.”
As the rains continue to challenge the city, residents are urged to exercise caution and prioritise safety when venturing out. While navigating Guwahati during these trying times, vigilance and care are paramount.