Guwahati, 11th May: On World Red Cross Day, BJP MLA Dipayan Chakraborty took proactive measures to combat the waterlogging crisis gripping Silchar, spearheading a cleanup drive along the Longaikhal canal. Joined by volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society, Chakraborty led the initiative to clear accumulated garbage from a 600-feet stretch of the canal adjacent to the national highway.
The recent onslaught of heavy rains triggered flash floods in Silchar and surrounding areas, exacerbating the city’s waterlogging woes due to clogged canals and drains.
Taking to Twitter, Chakraborty underscored the significance of the three-hour cleaning effort, emphasizing community participation in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment. He urged citizens to refrain from littering drains and khals, emphasizing collective responsibility in addressing the longstanding issue.
While attributing the city’s waterlogging woes to the “misrule by previous Congress governments,” Chakraborty acknowledged the complexity of resolving the issue amid Silchar’s unplanned growth. He highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including a Rs 42 crore development project for the Rangirkhal canal, while stressing the importance of citizen collaboration with authorities.
Despite the government’s efforts, Chakraborty conceded that comprehensive measures are required to overhaul Silchar’s drainage system and alleviate waterlogging permanently. While new drains have been constructed in busy areas, he recognized that a holistic approach is necessary to tackle the city’s persistent waterlogging challenges.