Assam: Residents protest against Sribhumi municipal board over recurring artificial flooding, draining issues

Residents of Assam's Sribhumi staged a protest on Monday, May 18 against the alleged negligence and apathy of the Sribhumi Municipal Board over the recurring issue of artificial flooding in the town. The protesters demanded the resignation of the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the municipal body, holding them responsible for the worsening civic situation.

Under the leadership of social worker Sujan Deb Roy, local residents along with several prominent businessmen organised a sit-in demonstration in front of the Sribhumi Municipal Board office. Protesters raised slogans against the municipal authorities and called for immediate corrective measures to address the persistent waterlogging problem.

According to residents, almost every road in the town gets submerged during the monsoon season each year, severely affecting normal life and business activities. The issue intensified following several hours of heavy rainfall two days ago, which triggered a flood-like situation across Sribhumi town and caused widespread inconvenience to the public.

Demanding a permanent solution to the recurring crisis, the protesters alleged that the artificial flooding has been aggravated by the construction of drains through unscientific methods. They accused the municipal authorities of failing to implement effective drainage planning despite repeated incidents over the years.

The demonstrators warned that if immediate steps are not taken to resolve the problem permanently, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.