Dibrugarh: Policy Group for People’s Rights, a prominent Dibrugarh NGO, has urged CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to immediately address recurring waterlogging crisis plaguing Jibon Phukan Nagar, a densely populated locality in the district.NGO president Dr Aradhana Kataki on July 16 had submitted a memorandum to the CM, via an email, highlighting a “deeply distressing situation” affecting thousands of residents during the monsoon. Apparently, the persistent waterlogging issue stem from dysfunctional concrete drains, which has been constructed under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme.“The drains in question do not function as projected and are unable to ensure continuous flow of rainwater. This leads to sudden and widespread flooding during the monsoon, creating immense hardship for residents,” Dr Kataki said in the memorandum.The situation has been further exacerbated due to the choking of Rajabheta drain, a major outflow channel. The combination of these drainage failures has led to flooding in the area, the memorandum read.PGPR’s demands include immediate repairs to NLCPR drains, regular de-silting of Rajabheta drain and a scientific drainage plan from the town and country planning department. The NGO has also highlighted the uninstalled high-capacity water pumps at Lila Gogoi Road and Mancotta Road junctions, which have been procured, but are yet to be deployed.“The water pumps had already been procured, yet for reasons unknown, they have not been installed to date. This delay is unacceptable when people are suffering every monsoon season. The situation is dire. Families face knee-deep water, damaged homes and health hazards,” the memorandum said.
