Severe Crisis: Massive Waterlogging in Guwahati Throws City Life Out of Gear

Guwahati, one of the fastest-growing cities in Northeast India, came to a grinding halt on Friday as heavy rainfall led to massive waterlogging in Guwahati. The relentless downpour caused widespread flooding across multiple areas, severely affecting daily life, transportation, and business activity.

Widespread Impact of Waterlogging in Guwahati

The heavy rains that began early morning quickly inundated major roads, residential colonies, and marketplaces, resulting in long traffic snarls and public inconvenience. Office-goers, students, and emergency workers were among the worst affected as the waterlogged streets became nearly impassable.

From Chandmari to Zoo Road, major city zones reported water levels rising as high as two feet, disrupting normal movement. In some areas, residents were forced to wade through knee-deep water or remain indoors due to the severity of waterlogging in Guwahati.

“I couldn’t take my bike out of the gate today,” said Ravi Nath, a resident of Rukminigaon. “Water entered the ground floor and damaged furniture. We’ve never seen waterlogging in Guwahati reach this level before.”

Drainage System Under Scrutiny

The recurring problem of waterlogging in Guwahati has once again exposed the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure. Civic authorities faced public ire as complaints of blocked drains and lack of timely de-silting operations surfaced from nearly every part of the city.

Local urban development experts have long warned that rapid urbanization without parallel infrastructure development could worsen waterlogging in Guwahati. “We are witnessing the consequences of unplanned growth and insufficient drainage investment,” noted environmental planner Dr. Dipankar Das.

While the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) claimed that emergency teams were deployed, residents questioned the preparedness and long-term strategy to prevent such flooding.

Traffic and Public Transport Collapse

Public transport took a major hit as buses were diverted and auto-rickshaws struggled to move through flooded roads. Traffic police faced a daunting task, with major intersections like Bhangagarh and Ganeshguri submerged and vehicles breaking down mid-route.

The situation intensified around schools and hospitals where waterlogging in Guwahati led to missed appointments and delays in reaching critical services.

“Patients and ambulances couldn’t enter our hospital gate due to flooding,” said a healthcare worker from a private hospital in Dispur. “It’s a health hazard, especially for the elderly and children.”

Businesses Bear the Brunt

Small businesses and shopkeepers bore the financial impact of the waterlogging in Guwahati as many were forced to close for the day. Shopfronts in flooded areas reported damage to goods and inventory, with water seeping into commercial buildings and ground-floor establishments.

Market vendors in Fancy Bazaar and Paltan Bazar were seen trying to salvage stock while fighting off the rising water levels. Many expressed frustration over the lack of protective measures and stormwater management, calling it a yearly crisis.

“This is not a one-time incident. Every monsoon, we face the same issues. Authorities must wake up before it’s too late,” said a local trader.

Environmental Concerns and Expert Views

Environmentalists have raised alarms about the long-term ecological impact of continued waterlogging in Guwahati. Wetlands and natural water channels, which once absorbed rainwater, have been encroached upon, worsening the situation.

“Encroachment of wetlands and poor waste management have turned the city into a flood-prone zone. Unless these root causes are addressed, waterlogging in Guwahati will become more frequent and damaging,” warned Dr. Anita Hazarika, a hydrology expert.

Civic Body Response and Promises

In response to the public outcry, officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and Assam State Disaster Management Authority assured citizens that immediate relief measures were underway. Pumps were deployed to clear waterlogged areas, and temporary shelters were arranged for affected families.

“We understand the severity of waterlogging in Guwahati and are taking steps to mitigate the impact. Long-term drainage upgrades are also in planning,” a GMC spokesperson said.

However, these promises were met with skepticism by residents who have repeatedly endured similar crises with little change.

As the city waits for the water to recede, the larger question remains: how long will Guwahati continue to suffer from predictable yet unmanaged flooding? With climate change intensifying weather patterns and urban density on the rise, the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure has never been more urgent.

The incident has not only disrupted lives but also served as a stark reminder that addressing waterlogging in Guwahati must become a top civic priority — not just during the rains, but throughout the year.