Guwahati: Ambikagiri Nagar Battles Chronic Water-Logging

Residents demand urgent drainage overhaul and reliable water supply

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Despite lying in close proximity to some of Guwahati’s more developed localities like Tarun Nagar, Anil Nagar, Geetanagar, and Chandmari, Ambikagiri Nagar in Ward No. 37 continues to suffer from chronic waterlogging and urban flooding—an issue that has plagued the area for over half a decade.

Thousands of residents remain affected by the recurring problem, which they attribute to outdated drainage infrastructure, unplanned urban expansion, and administrative neglect. While neighbouring localities have seen infrastructural upgrades over the years, Ambikagiri Nagar remains vulnerable, with each bout of rain bringing daily life to a standstill.

“For the last five years, we have been living in a nightmare during every monsoon,” said Jiten Baruah, a senior resident of the locality. “Although de-siltation work has been underway for the past three months, it has barely made a difference. With the rapid pace of urbanization, the soil has become loose and unstable, frequently clogging the fragile drainage system.”

The problem is especially acute in low-lying areas, where rainwater stagnates for hours, forcing residents to manually bail it out using buckets. “The drains overflow almost immediately when it rains. There’s no time to prepare or respond,” said Rupjyoti Dutta, another resident. “We are exhausted from this cycle of flooding, stagnation, and clean-up.”

Many of the existing drains, residents say, are structurally obsolete—dating back decades—and no longer capable of handling modern storm water loads. Compounding the problem are road widening projects and unregulated construction activities that have further strained the already fragile system.

Open drains present yet another danger. During heavy overnight rains, these uncovered channels become invisible death traps, posing serious safety risks for pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. “You can’t tell where the drain is during a downpour—it’s a huge risk,” a concerned resident added.

The residents’ grievances do not end with drainage woes. The area also suffers from an erratic drinking water supply, with many households going hours—sometimes an entire day—without access to running water. As a result, they are forced to rely on private water tankers or seek help from neighbours, leading to increased financial and logistical burdens.

What frustrates the locals the most is the perceived apathy of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Despite multiple complaints and appeals, they allege, no long-term or sustainable action has been initiated.

“Temporary measures won’t solve a problem that’s rooted in years of neglect,” said another resident. “We need a comprehensive plan that includes reconstruction of the drainage system, regular maintenance, stricter construction regulations, and consistent water supply.”

As the monsoon looms, the residents of Ambikagiri Nagar are once again bracing for what they describe as a season of struggle. Their demands are clear: proactive governance, sustainable urban planning, and basic dignity in the form of functioning civic infrastructure. Until then, the residents remain caught between rising waters and sinking hopes.

 Also Read: Assam: Gauhati HC seeks report from government on issue of water logging within 10 days

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