Silchar: Residents of the greater Padmanagar area under Ward No. 23 of the Silchar Municipal Corporation have demanded urgent action to solve a long standing waterlogging problem. They have also warned that they may boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not addressed soon.

Locals said that after a spell of rain, large parts of Padmanagar in Silchar get submerged. According to residents, the problem has continued for the last one and a half to two years. They said water often remains in the area even during the dry season, while in the rainy period the situation becomes worse with knee deep water in several lanes.

Residents blamed the construction of culverts near Indraprastha Hotel and along the road beside Mandirdighi for blocking the natural flow of water. They said soil and construction materials have obstructed the drainage system, especially affecting Lane No. 3 where rainwater now gets trapped.

Due to the waterlogging, several low lying houses are getting flooded. Residents said water is entering their homes and damaging furniture and other household items, making daily life extremely difficult.

The affected people have appealed to local MLA Dipayan Chakraborty and the District Commissioner to take immediate steps to resolve the issue. They warned that if the authorities fail to act, they will democratically boycott voting in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Among those who raised the demand are Sheela Pal, Ruma Pal Choudhury, Sabita Pal, Anjana Pal, Gouri Deb, Sayan Bhattacharjee, Diju Pal, Bibu Pal, Shyamal Pal and Ajit Deb along with many other residents.

Speaking to reporters, resident Sheela Pal said water frequently enters their houses and damages belongings. She added that the area remains waterlogged even in the dry season and the condition becomes worse during rains. She warned that if the MLA and the district administration do not take the matter seriously, residents may refuse to cast their votes.