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 people’s safety, daily life and dignity. According to official information from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, a woman identified as Payal Nath died after falling into a drain at Maligaon Chariali, near the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarters. The incident took place as large parts of the city remained submerged following heavy rainfall. Roads went under water, traffic came to a halt and many residential areas were affected.
Saikia said such incidents show that the problem is not just due to heavy rain but also due to gaps in planning and maintenance. In his letter, he stated that open drains, poor drainage systems and lack of proper safety measures have led to dangerous situations in many areas. He also pointed out cases of electrocution risks in waterlogged streets and damage caused by storms. The Opposition leader said the flooding has disrupted daily life across the city. Schools have been forced to close repeatedly, affecting students’ education. He added that daily wage earners are among the worst affected, as they lose income during such disruptions. Small businesses have also suffered losses due to water entering shops and markets. Raising further concerns, Saikia referred to the eviction drive at Silsako, where around 1,200 houses were cleared earlier as part of flood control efforts. He said that despite such steps, the flooding problem continues, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
He also alleged irregularities in public spending related to flood management. Referring to information obtained through RTI, he claimed that certain equipment, including high-capacity drainage machines, were purchased at higher prices than market rates. He said this raises concerns about financial accountability and proper use of public funds. In his appeal, Saikia asked the commission to seek reports on earlier directions issued by the Gauhati High Court between 2022 and 2024 regarding flood management. He also called for a detailed inquiry into the drainage system in the city and fixing responsibility for lapses.