Waterlogging at Rukmini Gaon in Guwahati

Residents stage protest; ward councillor proposes digging Bahini River

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Many areas of the city reported waterlogging following heavy rainfall on Monday night. Rukmini Gaon is one such area.

This is not the first time that the residents of Rukmini Gaon's ward number 48 witnessed flooding. Normal life in this area was thrown out of gear in May this year when residential houses were submerged in water following incessant rains for a few days. Frustated residents staged a protest on Tuesday to demand an immediate solution to the waterlogging problem.

Some of the residents said, "In the past where there would be artificial floods, the water would recede quickly. But nowadays, water remains stagnant for 4-5 days. We cannot move out of our houses. During the flash floods in May, the district authorities had provided us relief but this is not enough, we want a solution to this problem."

Talking to The Sentinel, ward councillor of ward no. 48 said, Dulumoni Kakoti said, "This ward is a low-lying area and the level of the Bahini River is high. This is the main reason for the waterlogging problem in Rukmini Gaon. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections were held only recently. Before the councillors could take up measures to address the waterlogging problem in their respective areas, the monsoon season started. I appeal to the residents of ward no. 48 to have patience. Once the monsoon season is over, work on construction of a sluice gate at Pibco point will start from October."

She, however, reiterated that waterlogging in Rukmini Gaon could be prevented if the Bahini River is dug to at least 20 feet. "In this regard, a proposal has been submitted to the Chief Minister and the GMC Commissioner," she said.

The residents have alleged that after the construction of the Dispur flyover, the pillars of the Dispur Supermarket are obstructing the drains, which has caused the waterlogging problem in Rukmini Gaon. Dulumoni Kakoti refuted this allegation. "The drains are regularly cleaned. Today they were cleaned using the Super Sucker," she said.

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