Incomplete flood protection work along Bharalu River worsens Rajgarh’s recurring waterlogging
Residents of Rajgarh and adjoining localities have raised serious concerns over recurring artificial flooding, alleging that incomplete flood protection work along the Bharalu River has worsened conditions this monsoon season. They say the unfinished guard wall and temporary flood-control measures have left the residents vulnerable, with fears of further flooding in the weeks ahead.
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For years, residents of Rajgarh, particularly those in Lachit Nagar, Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar have faced persistent waterlogging during heavy rainfall. They said the Bharalu River, which flows below Rajgarh Road, serves as a key outlet for draining rainwater from these residential pockets. However, they say that during intense spells of rain, the river often overflows, inundating surrounding areas as existing drainage systems fail to cope.
Locals further claim that ongoing infrastructure work along the riverbank has aggravated the situation. The Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA) had initiated a project to construct a guard wall along a stretch of the Bharalu River to strengthen flood protection and stabilise the riverbank. As part of the project, a section of the existing structure was dismantled.
While the intervention was initially welcomed, residents said concerns mounted as the work remained incomplete for an extended period. They say that ahead of the recent heavy rainfall, construction activity had stalled, leaving the damaged portion of the riverbank exposed. During subsequent rain, floodwater reportedly entered Lachit Nagar through the broken section of the guard wall, causing severe water accumulation in residential areas.
Residents described the incident as one of the worst flooding episodes in recent years. Following the deluge, authorities reportedly installed geo bags to block water flow through the unfinished stretch. However, locals said this remains a temporary arrangement that does not address the underlying problem, and warned that it may not withstand stronger currents during peak monsoon conditions.
“This is only the beginning of the flood season and we are already facing such conditions. Earlier, flooding happened, but after the guard wall was broken for construction, the situation became worse,” said a resident.
Many locals fear that if rainfall intensifies, the temporary barricades could fail, again allowing water to enter residential areas.
Residents also highlighted the social and economic impact of repeated flooding. Several households said tenants have begun vacating rented accommodation due to persistent waterlogging and poor accessibility, while homeowners are raising compound walls and modifying properties to reduce damage. These measures, they added, are placing an additional financial burden on families already dealing with repeated repair costs.
Apart from waterlogging, locals said ongoing works have created daily mobility challenges, with construction materials and geo bags narrowing access routes and disrupting movement within the locality. Vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, reportedly struggle to pass through affected stretches, raising concerns over restricted access for ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles during emergencies.
Residents added that delivery personnel and essential service providers are increasingly avoiding entry into severely affected areas during heavy rain.
Some residents pointed to alleged shortcomings in earlier flood management efforts. One local claimed that during a previous pre-monsoon flooding in April, water pumps deployed in Anil Nagar to drain accumulated water discharged into the river system. Due to the broken section of the guard wall water flowed back into Lachit Nagar, worsening the situation, he added.
Locals stressed the need for coordinated planning and scientifically executed flood-control infrastructure rather than fragmented interventions. They emphasised that they are not opposed to development projects, but insisted that such works must be completed on time and without exposing communities to added risk during construction.
They have urged authorities to treat the situation as urgent and complete the guard wall before monsoon conditions intensify further. Several residents warned that the current flooding has already exceeded previous experiences in severity, and that further rainfall could worsen conditions in the coming weeks.
“We need a permanent solution, not temporary protection measures. Floodwater should not continue entering residential areas every year,” a resident told GPlus.
When contacted, officials from the DoHUA said, “The construction work had been paused due to high water levels in the Bharalu River and would resume once conditions improve, likely around September or October.”
Meanwhile, residents continue to await a lasting solution as uncertainty persists through the remaining monsoon season. With heavy rainfall still expected in the coming weeks, locals say the situation on the ground remains fragile, and any further delay in completing the flood protection work could worsen conditions across the affected neighbourhoods.