SILCHAR, June 8 - Following a symbolic protest by people of Link Road area of Silchar who had floated paper boats on the waterlogged roads, the Cachar district administration has taken up measures to unclog the drains teeming with garbage hindering the flow of water.
People of Link Road have been battling waterlogging for over seven days.
Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli, talking to The Assam Tribune, had assured that work to clear the waterlogging shall start on Sunday and accordingly, executive officer of the civic board Sumit Sattawan and assistant officer Abhilash Baranwal plunged into action.
The concrete portion of a drain adjacent to the Customs Quarter Complex on Sonai Road was dismantled and water flow was eased, clearing the drain. This step has ensured receding of the water to a significant level, sources said.
Briefing the media on the actions taken, Baranwal said, �People are using the drains to dump waste instead of dustbins which is blocking the drains to carry the water during heavy showers. However, as interim measures, we are taking steps using pumps to clear the blockages so that even if heavy shower occurs, water can flow within 2-3 hours. The recurring problem of waterlogging needs a holistic and sustainable solution.�
On the issue of clearing encroachments, Baranwal said that at a time when COVID-19 is creating havoc, no steps will be taken to make the persons guilty of encroachment homeless.
