Dibrugarh: Persistent waterlogging and the failure to upgrade the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) drain have emerged as major concerns for residents ahead of the Assembly elections, with criticism directed at four-time MLA Prasanta Phukan, who has represented the constituency since 2006.
Waterlogging continues to plague the town every year, with residents facing recurring inundation during the monsoon. The DTP drain, constructed in 1954 as the city’s primary flood-control mechanism, channels water from all 22 wards of Dibrugarh. However, officials and residents say the ageing system has lost its efficiency and is no longer capable of handling current urban demands.
Rapid urbanisation, increased concretisation, and changing rainfall patterns have placed additional strain on the decades-old drainage infrastructure. The accumulation of silt, waste, and aquatic vegetation has further reduced its capacity, leading to frequent flooding in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall.
Residents say the issue has remained unresolved for years. “Waterlogging and the non-upgradation of the DTP drain are among the key concerns this election. Despite being declared the second capital of Assam, Dibrugarh lacks a scientific drainage system. The existing infrastructure is inadequate to handle rainwater,” said Ramen Deka, a resident.
He added that while the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation has taken some measures to address the problem, these efforts have fallen short of resolving the long-standing issue.
Another resident, Pranjal Khound, acknowledged infrastructural development in other areas but said the drainage problem persists. “There has been progress in road construction, but the waterlogging issue remains unaddressed. Every year, the town faces artificial flooding. We urge the next government to prioritise this problem and take effective preventive measures,” he said.