Artificial Flooding Disrupts Life in Jorhat After Rainfall

Jorhat: A few spells of rain on Sunday triggered severe artificial flooding across several parts of Jorhat town, disrupting normal life and causing widespread inconvenience to residents. Localities including Tarun Phukan Road, Tarajan, Choladhara, A.T. Road, Sonali Jayanti Nagar, Bongalpukhuri, and Rajamaidam New Colony were among the worst affected.

Waterlogging also inundated the Jorhat Home Guards office, the NCC office, and several government and private establishments, while traffic movement was severely disrupted on submerged roads.

Residents blamed the recurring problem on an inadequate and poorly planned drainage system, alleging that roads have been constructed at improper levels and drains are not scientifically designed. They claimed the situation has worsened over the years, with more areas experiencing flooding even after moderate rainfall.

Questions have also been raised over the effectiveness of the Jorhat Municipal Board’s flood mitigation measures. Despite spending over ₹27 lakh on a drain-cleaning drive using a super sucker machine, residents alleged that the exercise failed to provide lasting relief. Allegations of irregularities and corruption in the implementation of civic projects have further intensified public dissatisfaction.

With recurring waterlogging continuing every monsoon, residents fear Jorhat could face an urban flooding crisis similar to that experienced in Guwahati if long-term drainage improvements are not undertaken.