Dibrugarh, July 4: For decades, Dibrugarh town in Upper Assam has been plagued by severe floods each monsoon, leaving its residents wading through knee-deep waters in their own streets. This year is no exception.

As heavy rains pounded the town over the past few days, Dibrugarh once again found itself submerged. The main thoroughfares—H.S Road, Mancotta Road, AT Road, Thana Chariali—transformed into waterways, halting daily life for its inhabitants. This isn’t a new story for Dibrugarh; it’s a haunting echo of past deluges that have marred the town’s tranquility.

The culprit? A critical stormwater drainage system, the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) Drain, which spans 9.5 kilometers through the heart of the town. Originally designed to swiftly channel rainwater to the Sessa River, the DTP Drain is now a shadow of its intended self. “Illegal encroachments have choked our lifeline,” laments an official from the Water Resources Department. “Businesses, homes, even temples have sprouted atop the drain, narrowing its path and hindering water flow.”

A staggering 1612.5 square feet of the drain is now occupied by unauthorized structures—a grim testament to administrative apathy. “We’ve sounded alarms before,” continues the official, “but little has been done. The drain has become a dumping ground for plastic and garbage, compounding its woes.”

In the face of such adversity, the people of Dibrugarh have been left to fend for themselves. “Every monsoon, it’s the same story,” sighs a weary senior citizen. “Promises are made, assurances given, but the waters rise, and we suffer.” In 2015 and again in 2020, the town endured catastrophic flooding, prompting assurances of swift action from local leaders. Yet, these pledges have evaporated like rain on parched soil.

Calls for a comprehensive master plan resonate through the waterlogged streets. The recent elevation of the Dibrugarh Municipal Board to Corporation status was expected to herald change, but the reality remains unchanged—finger-pointing and blame games persist while the drains overflow.

“It’s time for accountability,” urges Raju Sharma, a respected elder. “CCTV cameras should monitor the drains to deter illegal dumping. Offenders must face the law; it’s the only way forward.” His words echo the frustrations of many, longing for sustainable solutions to a crisis that repeats itself with each monsoon shower.

Residents of Dibrugarh are waiting for the waters to recede. Until then, they endure, resilient yet weary, in the battle against water.

Also Read: Assam villagers rely on streams for water as government schemes struggle to reach them

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