Tensions flared outside the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) headquarters in Chandmari on Sunday as student activists set ablaze an effigy of Urban Development Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, protesting the government’s alleged inaction on artificial flooding in Guwahati.
Organised by the Guwahati Metropolitan Committee of AJYCP, the demonstration began as a peaceful rally but quickly escalated when police intervened to disperse the crowd. What started with placards and chants soon turned into a physical scuffle between the protesters and security personnel, leaving the situation volatile.
Frustration Boils Over Amid Monsoon Woes
The issue of artificial flooding in Guwahati has long plagued residents, particularly during the monsoon season. Despite numerous urban development projects, the city continues to suffer from severe waterlogging due to blocked drains and poor planning.
AJYCP activists accused the state government of ignoring the core problems. “Every year we witness the same scenes—flooded roads, stranded citizens, and zero accountability. This is not just negligence, it’s failure at the highest level,” said an AJYCP spokesperson during the protest.
Urban flooding, especially in areas like Zoo Road, Chandmari, and Hatigaon, has become a regular ordeal for residents, with civic life coming to a standstill even after moderate rainfall. The protesters demanded a complete audit of the city’s drainage and sewerage systems, calling the current situation “man-made disaster”.
Effigy Burning and Police Response
The symbolic burning of the effigy of Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah triggered a rapid police response. Officers from the Chandmari Police Station moved in swiftly, attempting to dismantle the protest site. A brief altercation broke out, with student activists accusing the police of using excessive force.
While no serious injuries were reported, several protesters were detained and later released. Videos of the clash quickly circulated on social media, further fuelling public discourse about the government’s urban planning failures and police response to democratic protests.
Read more about similar events in AJYCP’s past civic protests and their impact on local governance.
Growing Discontent Among Youth
AJYCP, known for its strong stance on civic issues, especially those affecting students and the youth, stated that this protest was only the beginning. Leaders of the organisation have warned of more widespread demonstrations if the government does not deliver concrete solutions to the flooding crisis.
“Guwahati is the gateway to the Northeast. If we cannot manage water during rains, what progress are we talking about?”
– AJYCP Metropolitan Committee Leader
The group has submitted a memorandum demanding an action plan with strict deadlines to address drainage blockages, illegal construction near wetlands, and poor urban execution by civic agencies like the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Guwahati Development Department (GDD).
Call for Transparent Governance and Urban Reform
Civic bodies have been under scrutiny for years regarding the use of funds and the lack of transparency in flood mitigation projects. Despite budget allocations and multiple announcements, implementation remains sluggish.
Residents, civic groups, and student unions like AJYCP are calling for an independent review committee to evaluate current urban infrastructure and propose practical, sustainable solutions to prevent artificial flooding in Guwahati.
For updates on Guwahati’s urban projects and environmental issues, follow Assam Urban Development Authority and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.