Guwahati: Just ahead of the state elections, large parts of the city were thrown into disarray after heavy waterlogging submerged key localities, exposing Guwahati’s fragile drainage infrastructure.
Hatigaon, Anil Nagar, Beltola Wireless, and Basisthapur were among the worst affected, with roads turning into streams and daily life grinding to a halt.According to the IMD, the city recorded 24.4 mm of rainfall on Saturday. Earlier, on March 16, Guwahati saw its highest daily rainfall of the season at 33.7 mm, marking the onset of pre-monsoon activity.
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The flooding has triggered sharp reactions from voters, many accusing their MLAs of persistent neglect.
In Anil Nagar, under GMC ward no. 38 in the New Guwahati constituency, residents reported inundation from early morning. “Is this the sign of development? Every year this keeps happening, and we are the ones who suffer. I could not go to the office because of this rain,” said Amiya Das, a local resident.Being a low-lying area, many households have adapted by shifting to higher floors and installing protective measures to keep floodwater out.
Hatigaon faced similar woes. Sijubari Prathamik Vidyalaya, a govt school that doubles as a polling centre, was left waterlogged. Principal Noor Hussain said repeated petitions for improved facilities had gone unanswered. “Over 500 students study here, but the former MLA of Dispur, Atul Bora, never responded to our requests,” Hussain lamented.The Dispur Assembly constituency, politically significant, has now become a battleground between former allies turned rivals, even as voters’ everyday struggles remain unresolved.On Saturday, Congress candidate Mira Borthakur Goswami toured flood-hit areas, telling the media: “I did not visit just to seek votes; I am always here for the people. If elected, I will address this problem with scientific solutions.” She also alleged that high-powered super suckers, meant for de-silting drains, had been rendered useless.Meanwhile, BJP candidate Pradyut Bordoloi claimed strong voter support and assured development-focused initiatives if elected.As campaigns enter their final stretch, the flooding has not only disrupted daily life but also sh
