Artificial flooding cripples traffic in Assam's Bargolai; residents blame poor drainage and development works

Prolonged heavy rainfall on the morning of June 26 triggered artificial flooding in the Bargolai area of Margherita under Tinsukia district, severely disrupting traffic and affecting normal life.

 

The inundation was reported along the stretch from Bargolai Bashbari through Ledo College and Bargolai Chariali up to the vicinity of Nefa Tea Industries in the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly constituency.

 

The road was submerged under a sheet of water, making it difficult to distinguish between the highway and a river. Vehicular movement was severely affected as vehicles struggled to pass through the waterlogged stretch, leading to long traffic snarls.

 

The artificial flooding disrupted transportation in the area for several hours, causing inconvenience to commuters and local residents.

 

In an unusual sight, people were seen catching fish with nets on the submerged national highway near Bargolai Chariali as floodwater covered the road.

 

The flooding also entered several houses located along the roadside, affecting many families and damaging household belongings.

 

Local residents blamed the Margherita Co-District Administration for the situation, alleging that poor drainage planning and inadequate development works were responsible for the recurring artificial flooding. They claimed that the public continues to suffer due to the failure of the administration to address the area's drainage problems.

 

The residents have demanded immediate measures to improve the drainage system and prevent similar incidents during the monsoon season.