Guwahati, Apr 20 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Monday wrote to the state human rights commission seeking suo motu cognisance of the severe waterlogging in Guwahati following heavy overnight rains, which he claimed led to the death of a woman after she fell into a drain.
In a letter to Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) chairperson Justice Arup Kumar Goswami, Saikia drew attention towards what he termed as “continuing violation” of right to life, livelihood, dignity and education due to unsafe civic infrastructure, flooding, non-compliance of judicial directions, impact of Silsako eviction and concerns regarding public expenditure.
At least one person died, and normal life was severely disrupted in Guwahati on Monday after torrential overnight rains triggered widespread flooding, leaving roads submerged, homes inundated, and traffic paralysed across the city.
“I respectfully submit this representation seeking the urgent intervention of this commission regarding the continuing and systemic human rights violations affecting the residents of Guwahati.
“The present situation reflects a multi-layered failure of governance, where civic infrastructure has collapsed, judicial directions remain unimplemented, public expenditure has not yielded results, vulnerable populations have faced displacement, and ordinary citizens continue to suffer the loss of life, livelihood, and dignity,” Saikia said.
Listing out a number of laws, he pointed out that these are preventable hazards, not natural inevitabilities.
Some of the recent incidents due to urban flooding in Guwahati include a woman being swept away in an open drain in Maligaon, deaths due to uncovered drains, electrocution in waterlogged areas and severe storm damage to residences, Saikia said.
“…the administration has repeatedly ordered the closure of schools, resulting in the loss of academic continuity and amounting to an indirect denial of the right to education.
“Additionally, daily wage earners are losing vital income, office-goers are unable to attend work, and local businesses are suffering immense property and economic damage,” he added.
Referring to the eviction at Silsako Beel lake, the LOP said around 1,200 people houses were demolished for the sake of flood mitigation, yet no flood control has been achieved.
“Compounding this issue are serious concerns regarding public expenditure. RTI findings indicate that the procurement of super sucker machines and drainage equipment under the Urban Development Department was executed at higher than prevailing market rates,” he alleged.
He said this raises significant financial accountability concerns regarding potential irregularities and the ineffective utilisation of public funds.
“Take suo motu cognisance of the matter and call for a compliance report on the Gauhati High Court orders (2022–2024). Conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the drainage failures, artificial flooding, open drain electrocution hazards, and severe waterlogging across major city areas and flyovers,” Saikia urged in this letter.
“Investigate public expenditure by calling for RTI records and procurement details of flood equipment, and direct an independent audit of these funds. Fix accountability of the responsible officials and agencies, and recommend criminal or vigilance action where warranted,” Saikia said.
Seeking a time-bound corrective measures and compliance through periodic reporting, the Congress leader requested the rights panel to recommend immediate compensation for victims and relief for those who have suffered a loss of livelihood in the flood in Guwahati.
“Pending final disposal, I urge the Hon’ble Commission to direct immediate interim measures, including the emergency covering of all open drains, rapid clearance of blockages, verification of electrical safety in waterlogged zones, and the restoration of normal civic life to prevent further educational and economic disruption,” he added.
“The situation in Guwahati today represents a profound failure of governance despite prior knowledge, a failure of expenditure despite heavy investment, and a failure of justice despite the painful displacement of its citizens. Hence, I request the Hon’ble Commission’s urgent intervention in the matter,” Saikia said.
The Assam capital witnessed heavy rainfall through Sunday night and early Monday, leading to knee-deep water on most roads, with water levels reaching chest height in some areas.
Flooding was reported from Zoo Road, RG Baruah Road, GS Road, Nabin Nagar, Anil Nagar, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, Barmotoria, Boragaon, Sarumotoria, Narengi, Sawkuchi, Satgaon, Sijubari, Juripar, Gita Nagar, Maligaon, Hedayetpur, Guwahati Club, Ulubari, Lachit Nagar, Chandmari, Panjabari, Jorabat, Tarun Nagar, Jatia, Jyotikuchi, Ghoramara, VIP Road, Rajgarh Road, Rukminigaon, Survey and Chatribari, among others.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority said a woman died after falling into a drain at Maligaon Chariali near the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarters.
The deceased was identified as Payal Nath, whose body was recovered by police with the help of Fire and Emergency Services. PTI TR TR MNB
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