A severe artificial flooding situation has worsened in Genduwa Pathar under the Hati Jujua Panchayat in Assam’s Rupahihat constituency, leaving roads, residential areas and agricultural land submerged.
Local residents have blamed inadequate drainage facilities and the alleged blocking of culverts for the prolonged accumulation of rainwater in the area. They have also raised concerns over the alleged impact of haphazardly excavated fisheries, which they claim have further aggravated the waterlogging situation.
The crisis has caused serious concern among farmers, with residents claiming that 100 per cent of agricultural land in the affected area has been submerged, putting crops and livelihoods at risk.
Lack of Drainage Blamed for Artificial Flooding
Residents of Genduwa Pathar have alleged that the absence of a proper drainage system has prevented rainwater from flowing out of the area.
According to locals, water has continued to accumulate across agricultural fields, roads and residential locations after rainfall. They have also alleged that several culverts and natural drainage routes have been blocked, further restricting the movement of water.
The residents have questioned why effective drainage arrangements were not put in place despite the recurring problem of waterlogging.
The Rupahihat artificial flood has therefore become a major concern for local communities, who say the problem is not simply the result of heavy rainfall but has been worsened by inadequate drainage infrastructure and alleged obstructions to natural water channels.
Entire Agricultural Land Reportedly Under Water
The most serious impact of the flooding has been on agriculture.
Local residents have stated that virtually all agricultural land in the affected area is now submerged. The prolonged presence of water has created uncertainty among farmers regarding the condition of their crops and the possibility of future cultivation.
For farming communities, prolonged waterlogging can result in significant losses, particularly when standing crops remain underwater for an extended period.
The complete submergence of farmland has also raised concerns about the economic impact on families who depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods.
With water yet to recede from several fields, farmers are anxiously waiting for a solution to the drainage crisis and for conditions that would allow agricultural activities to resume.
Livestock Owners Face Fodder Shortage
The flooding has also created difficulties for livestock owners in Genduwa Pathar.
According to residents, the continued submergence of agricultural areas has led to a shortage of fodder for cattle and other livestock.
With fields remaining under water, access to grazing areas and locally available fodder has become increasingly difficult.
The situation has added another layer of hardship for rural families, many of whom depend on both agriculture and livestock for their income and daily sustenance.
Residents fear that if the waterlogging continues, the shortage of fodder could worsen and create additional challenges for livestock owners across the affected area.
Roads Submerged, Connectivity Severely Affected
The artificial flooding has significantly affected road connectivity in the area.
Several roads have reportedly been submerged, making movement difficult for residents. People have been forced to navigate waterlogged routes to carry out their daily activities.
The disruption has particularly affected students and families.
Schoolchildren have reportedly been forced to wade through knee-deep water to reach their schools, highlighting the severe impact of the flooding on everyday life.
The submerged roads have also made it difficult for residents to move safely and access essential services. For people living in the affected areas, the waterlogging has turned routine travel into a daily challenge.
Floodwater Enters School Premises
Educational activities have also been disrupted as floodwater reportedly entered school premises in the affected area.
The situation forced the suspension of classes, affecting students and their regular academic schedule.
Parents and residents have expressed concern over the safety of children who have been attempting to travel through waterlogged roads.
The flooding of school premises demonstrates the widespread nature of the crisis, which has extended beyond agricultural fields and residential areas to public infrastructure.
Residents say the disruption to education is another reason why a long-term solution to the recurring waterlogging problem is urgently needed.
Locals Raise Concerns Over Blocked Culverts
One of the major allegations raised by residents concerns the reported blocking of culverts and drainage channels.
Locals claim that several culverts have been illegally obstructed, preventing rainwater from flowing through its natural routes.
They have demanded that the authorities investigate the allegations and take appropriate action wherever illegal blockages are found.
Residents argue that clearing drainage routes and restoring the natural movement of water could provide immediate relief to several affected locations.
The allegations have also raised questions about whether sufficient monitoring has been carried out to protect drainage infrastructure and prevent activities that could worsen waterlogging.
The people of Genduwa Pathar have called for a thorough examination of the situation and action against any obstruction contributing to the artificial flooding crisis.
Haphazard Fishery Excavation Also Allegedly Worsens Crisis
Residents have also alleged that unplanned or haphazard excavation of fisheries in the area has contributed to the worsening waterlogging.
According to locals, changes in the local landscape and drainage patterns may have affected the natural movement of rainwater.
They believe that the issue needs to be examined as part of a broader assessment of why the area continues to face severe artificial flooding.
The residents have stressed that temporary measures alone may not be enough to address the problem. Instead, they are demanding a comprehensive assessment of drainage routes, culverts and other infrastructure affecting water flow.
A permanent solution, they say, is necessary to prevent the same crisis from returning after future spells of rainfall.
Residents Demand Immediate and Permanent Solution
As the situation continues, residents of Genduwa Pathar have demanded immediate intervention from the administration.
Their primary demand is the creation of an effective drainage system capable of removing accumulated rainwater and preventing future flooding.
They have also called for the clearing of blocked culverts and drainage channels and a proper investigation into the factors contributing to the waterlogging.
Residents argue that the problem has now affected every aspect of life, from agriculture and livestock to road connectivity and education.
For farmers, the immediate concern remains the complete submergence of agricultural land and the potential loss of crops. For other residents, the daily challenge is moving through waterlogged roads and dealing with water entering residential and public spaces.
Rupahihat Artificial Flood Highlights Urgent Infrastructure Need
The worsening Rupahihat artificial flood in Genduwa Pathar has highlighted the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure and better management of natural water channels.
With 100 per cent of agricultural land reportedly submerged, the crisis has placed farmers under severe pressure while also disrupting transportation, livestock management and education.
Residents are now looking to the administration for immediate relief as well as a long-term solution that can prevent recurring waterlogging.
The situation in Genduwa Pathar serves as a reminder that effective drainage systems, protected water channels and properly maintained culverts are essential for protecting communities from artificial flooding. As residents continue to struggle with submerged homes, roads and farmland, their demand remains clear: a permanent solution must be implemented before the next spell of heavy rainfall worsens the crisis further. Track Assam flood updates