Years of waterlogging continue as civic proposal awaits clearance, with no implementation on the ground
A proposed road and drainage intervention for Dwarka Nagar remains pending approval and fund release even as the monsoon season begins, with residents stating that persistent waterlogging has become a year-round civic issue affecting mobility, sanitation and daily life.
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According to local representations submitted to authorities, flooding and stagnant water have remained a concern in the area for at least five to six years, though similar issues existed earlier. Residents said conditions improved temporarily after road and drainage infrastructure was constructed but deteriorated again in recent years.
Locals said even a single spell of rainfall now leads to severe water accumulation, with water remaining stagnant for prolonged periods after rain.
Speaking to GPlus, Ward Councillor 59 said, “The project has been submitted. An estimate will be prepared and, following approval, the road construction work will be carried out.”
Residents and the Dwarka Nagar Development Society said repeated representations had been submitted seeking a permanent solution. Memorandums were submitted to multiple authorities, including the Chief Minister and the Public Works Department (PWD). Prior to the elections, residents also submitted a memorandum to GMDA Chairman Narayan Deka.
Residents said they had also met PWD officials and the Chief Engineer regarding possible remedial work.
Local resident Malabika Saikia said officials informed residents that resolving the recurring waterlogging would require major reconstruction of both the road and drainage infrastructure. She said residents met the PWD Chief Engineer and were shown the estimated cost of the proposed intervention.
According to Saikia, officials said the project required substantial funding and that government approval for release of funds was still pending. Residents were informed that the proposal had been submitted and work would begin once financial clearance was received.
“By the time funds are released and work begins, the monsoon may already be over,” she said.
Saikia said repeated appeals to authorities had yielded no visible progress, leaving residents frustrated after approaching multiple departments.
She also said drains had not been cleaned before water entered residential areas.
“This time, water entered my car. My home is around 250 metres from the junction. The area has become a breeding ground for foul odour, mosquitoes and related problems,” she said.
Questioning the delay, Saikia said residents could not understand why the road remained unattended despite continued expenditure on urban development in Guwahati.
“We have approached every authority, including GMC, PWD and GMDA, but continue to receive only assurances,” she added.
Residents have requested the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to deploy pumps to remove accumulated water and divert it to Silsako Beel so that water can be cleared within hours after rainfall. They have also sought sanitation measures, including the application of bleaching powder.
Another resident, Prafulla Kr. Sarma, said prolonged waterlogging had directly affected his household.
“Water remains in front of my gate throughout the year. During the monsoon, water enters my house through the drainage system and floods the entire house. I have faced many problems and even experienced an accident because of the condition,” he said.
He further said floodwater had previously reached the electricity meter box.
Dilip Kumar Nath, another resident, said repeated assurances had not translated into visible action.
“We have received assurances, but they have not been fulfilled yet,” he said.
Residents said they plan to meet the local MLA and submit another memorandum seeking immediate intervention.
With no work initiated on the ground and approval for the proposed intervention still pending, residents fear another monsoon season may pass without a permanent solution to the recurring waterlogging problem.