From our Staff Correspondent

DIBRUGARH, July 11: Normal life in Dibrugarh was thrown out of gear following heavy downpour. With incessant rains since Monday, artificial flood water has inundated low lying areas in the town, including a portion of the National Highway 37 stretching from Barua Petrol Pump to Gabharupathar Tiniali. The residents of Jiban Phukan Nagar, East Milan Nagar, and Khaniagaon have been living in their flooded houses. The residence of Superintendent of Police and Gabharupathar police station are presently in knee deep water. The SP, Arabinda Kalita, has shifted to a hotel. Similarly, the inhabitants of the police reserve have taken shelter in safer places as the area is under artificial flood. The police officials of Gabharupathar police station are carrying out their work amidst flood water. Irate local residents of Gabharupathar ward No. 19 submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner today seeking intervention. Pointing out the drainage system along the NH 37, they said that the PWD Road division constructed it without considering the topography or providing a proper outlet for accumulated rain water to flow out. It may be recalled that the Policy Group of People’s Rights (PGPR) had filed a PIL regarding the artificial flooding at Jiban Phukan Nagar and its surrounding areas in Gauhati High Court seeking its intervention into the matter. Despite an order of the High Court to the district administration to take up necessary measures, PGPR spokesperson alleged, nothing has been done to correct the situation. The ward commissioners of Dibrugarh Municipal Board headed by its chairman, Chandra Kanta Baruah, have pressed its entire work force in cleaning up the drainage system to ensure smooth flow of water.