Assam: Batadrava faces recurring waterlogging as locals blame wetland encroachment

Batadrava, the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, is facing recurring waterlogging and artificial flooding, with local residents alleging that encroachments on government-owned wetlands and water bodies have obstructed natural drainage channels in the area.

The waterlogging has affected several parts of Batadrava, including areas around Narowa Satra and Salaguri Satra, where a large number of houses have reportedly been affected. The situation has also caused difficulties for visitors travelling to the historic Batadrava Than, a major religious and cultural site associated with Srimanta Sankardeva.

According to local residents, portions of government-owned wetlands and water bodies have allegedly been encroached upon, disrupting the natural flow of rainwater. They claim that barriers have been erected across natural water channels and that some of the affected areas are being used for fish farming, aggravating the waterlogging during periods of rainfall.

Officials of the Batadrava Than Management Committee have also expressed concern over the recurring flooding and its impact on the area.

The Assam government has invested crores of rupees in developing Batadrava as a religious tourism destination. However, residents have raised concerns over the absence of an adequate and scientifically designed drainage system, arguing that infrastructure development has not been matched by a comprehensive solution to the area's drainage problems.

The issue has assumed greater significance as waterlogging is affecting both local residents and visitors to Batadrava Than. Residents have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed assessment of the natural drainage network and establish a permanent drainage system based on scientific planning.

The Nagaon district administration had conducted an eviction drive in government-owned wetlands and water bodies in the area around six months ago. However, local residents allege that weak enforcement following the drive has allowed encroachments and obstructions to re-emerge in some locations.

Residents have called for stricter protection of government wetlands and water bodies, removal of barriers from natural drainage channels and the implementation of a permanent drainage plan to prevent recurring artificial flooding in Batadrava.