Nearly 20 villages in Assam’s Rupohihat Revenue Circle are reportedly struggling with artificial flooding, which residents have attributed to the alleged blocking of natural water channels and drainage routes because of encroachments and construction.
According to local residents, several earasuti, or natural water channels, as well as culverts and drainage paths, have been obstructed after soil was dumped and construction activities were carried out. They allege that RCC buildings and shops have come up over these natural outlets, restricting the flow of rainwater. One of the alleged encroachments is reportedly situated around 500 metres from the Rupohihat Revenue Circle Office. Residents claim that a large water channel at the site was blocked before construction work was undertaken.
The location has become a major point of concern for locals, who have questioned the administration over the alleged lack of action. They argue that the construction site is close enough to the revenue circle office that the activities should have been noticed and investigated. The alleged obstruction of drainage routes has resulted in significant waterlogging across several areas. Residents say homes, roads and agricultural fields have been affected, while movement has also become difficult. The problem has reportedly spread across around 20 villages, causing considerable hardship during the rainy season.
Residents are now demanding immediate intervention from the administration. They have called for blocked water channels and drainage routes to be cleared, an investigation into the alleged encroachments to be conducted and strict action against unauthorised structures if violations are established.
The issue has also raised questions about administrative monitoring, particularly over how alleged construction over a major water channel could continue just around 500 metres from the Rupohihat Revenue Circle Office. Residents are seeking urgent steps to restore the drainage system and prevent the situation from worsening.
