Sonakshi Sarkar

Severe waterlogging in Guwahati after heavy overnight rain has triggered a sharp political response, with Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia urging the Assam Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognisance of the situation. The move comes after the death of a woman, which he linked to what he described as repeated failures in urban management. In a letter addressed to AHRC chairperson Justice Arup Kumar Goswami, Saikia said the flooding in the city is not a one-time issue but a continuing problem that is affecting the basic rights of residents. He described the situation as a serious concern for…

The Government of Assam has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Guwahati on Monday after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across the city, affecting normal life and movement. The decision applies to both government and private schools and colleges within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) area. Officials said the step was taken keeping in mind the safety of students, teachers and staff as large parts of the city remained waterlogged following intense rain on April 19. According to the administration, several localities reported severe waterlogging, leading to traffic disruption and difficulties for commuters. Roads in low-lying areas were…

In a major development in the fight against wildlife crime in Assam, a team from Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has arrested a fugitive allegedly linked to the illegal trade of Royal Bengal Tiger body parts. The arrest comes after months of tracking and intelligence-based operations by forest officials. According to officials, the operation was carried out jointly by the Eastern Range, Gamiri, and the Crime Investigation Range based in Biswanath Chariali. Acting on specific inputs, the team managed to apprehend Ratnakanta Pegu (41), a resident of Aathaishsharia village in Biswanath district. He had been absconding since November 2025…

Scientists and conservationists across Assam on April 17 marked International Bat Appreciation Day with a strong call for greater awareness and protection of bats, a group of animals often feared but considered vital for ecosystems and agriculture. At BN College (Autonomous) in Dhubri, researchers highlighted how myths and misconceptions continue to harm bat populations. Experts said that despite growing scientific evidence about their importance, bats are still widely misunderstood, leading to fear, habitat destruction, and declining numbers. Speaking during a briefing at the Department of Zoology, Dr Azad Ali, who heads the Bat Research and Conservation Division (BRCD), stressed that…

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has called for the immediate implementation of women’s reservation, saying it should not be linked to the census or the delimitation process. His remarks come at a time when political parties are debating how and when the proposed reservation for women in legislatures should be rolled out. In a statement shared on his X handle, Gogoi said the position of the Congress and several opposition parties was clear and straightforward. He said women’s reservation should be implemented without any conditions or delays. At the same time, he added that the national census should be carried out…

A shocking incident from Assam’s Golaghat district has raised fresh concerns over the growing impact of plastic waste on wildlife, after a young wild elephant died due to ingestion of plastic materials. The incident took place on January 12 at the Numaligarh Tea Estate, located near the ecologically sensitive Deopahar Reserve Forest and the Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary. However, the matter came to light only recently after a Right to Information (RTI) query was filed by activist Dilip Nath. According to details revealed through the post-mortem report, the elephant, estimated to be around eight years old, had no visible external injuries.…

A major fire broke out in Assam’s Jorhat district on Sunday night, destroying four houses in a densely populated locality and causing panic among residents. The incident took place at Raja Maidam in the Gojpuria area, where a series of LPG cylinder explosions is believed to have triggered the blaze. According to initial information, the fire started suddenly and spread quickly after at least three cooking gas cylinders exploded one after another. The blasts intensified the flames, which soon engulfed nearby houses, most of them rented accommodations. Within a short time, four houses were reduced to ashes, leaving the affected…