Silchar: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has strongly criticized the administration over the severe waterlogging witnessed across several parts of Barak Valley following two days of heavy rainfall, alleging that official negligence and poor civic management are responsible for the crisis.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, BDF Media Cell Convenor Joydeep Bhattacharjee said the monsoon season has not yet officially begun, yet large parts of the valley have already been submerged under water, causing immense hardship to residents. He termed the situation an “administrative failure” and blamed the authorities for what he described as “artificial flooding.”

According to the statement, several important areas of Silchar, including Link Road, National Highway Main Road, Bilpar Radhamadhab Road, Shillong Patti and Vivekananda Road, were severely affected by waterlogging.

Sribhumi town reportedly witnessed the worst situation, with knee-deep to waist-deep water accumulating in most localities. One person allegedly died due to electrocution during the flooding. Similar conditions were also reported from parts of Hailakandi district and Udharbond, where SDRF personnel had to rescue stranded residents.

Bhattacharjee stated that the present situation reflects the administration’s failure to complete renovation and cleaning work of canals and drains before the rainy season. He said that despite having sufficient time, authorities failed to restore major drainage channels such as Rangirkhal, Longaikhal and Shingirkhal in Silchar, resulting in widespread flooding.

The BDF leader also criticized attempts to blame citizens for dumping waste into drains and canals. While acknowledging that improper waste disposal is an issue, he questioned what concrete measures the administration had taken regarding waste collection and processing. He pointed out that discussions on permanent dustbins, door-to-door garbage collection and composting initiatives have continued for years without visible implementation.

He further said that in many cities, strict penalties are imposed on those who dump waste indiscriminately after proper civic systems are established. However, despite Silchar being upgraded to a municipal corporation, he alleged that no effective or planned waste management system has been introduced.

The statement also highlighted similar drainage problems in Karimganj town, particularly around Natikhal and adjoining canals and drains.

Bhattacharjee warned that the present flooding could be a sign of a much larger disaster during the peak monsoon season if urgent action is not taken. He urged the administration to immediately begin renovation and cleaning of drains and canals across Barak Valley on a war footing.

The BDF also demanded immediate elections to the Silchar Municipal Corporation, alleging prolonged inactivity in civic administration. Bhattacharjee claimed that nearly ₹3.5 crore had been allocated last year for drainage renovation, waste management and other civic works, but questioned how the funds were utilized. He further alleged that several machines purchased for civic works are lying unused.

Stating that people of Barak Valley had voted for development and not recurring urban flooding, he appealed to the government, local representatives and citizens across political lines to raise a united voice for proper drainage restoration and waste management in the region.

The statement was issued by BDF convenor Hrishikesh Dey.