Unkept vows to tackle floods irk Silchar voters

Silchar: Chronic waterlogging and the absence of a scientific drainage system have once again emerged as a key election issue in Silchar, with residents accusing successive legislators of failing to deliver a lasting solution despite repeated promises over the past two decades.From Congress leaders Bithika Dev and Susmita Dev to BJP’s Dilip Kumar Paul and outgoing MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, each had assured voters towards the end of their tenure that the crisis of artificial flooding would be resolved if given another term. However, the problem persists, leaving large parts of the town inundated every monsoon. With the elections approaching, frustration is palpable among residents of flood-prone areas.Members of Nagorik Adhikar Suraksha Samiti, a Silchar-based NGO, said the issue reflects “systemic administrative apathy and political indifference”. “Every year, we hear the same promises — desilting of drains, eviction of encroachments, restoration of natural water channels. But nothing changes on the ground,” said a representative of the NGO.Residents pointed to the failure to restore key drainage channels and incomplete eviction drives. “These canals were once the lifeline of the town’s drainage system. Now they are choked with encroachments, garbage and silt,” said a resident of Sonai Road, one of the worst-affected localities.“Most encroachers are voters. No authority wants to take action against them. So the rest of the town suffers,” said a resident of Link Road.Residents say they will raise the issue with candidates across party lines. “We will vote, as always. But this time, we want accountability,” said a resident of Bilpar.