Rukminigaon Flyover Ready, But Locals Still Drown in Flood Neglect

Even as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister Atul Bora inaugurated the newly constructed Bhagadatta Flyover in Rukminigaon on Sunday, residents of the locality expressed strong resentment over the recurring problem of artificial flooding in the area.

While the 660-metre four-lane flyover, named after the legendary king Bhagadatta, has been hailed as a major step toward easing traffic congestion between Dispur and Six Mile, local voices pointed to a stark contrast between infrastructural development and basic civic issues plaguing the neighbourhood.

“This name is ironically fitting,” said one resident sarcastically. “Bhagadatta was the son of Asura King Narakasura, and we too are living in Narak (hell) because of these floods.”

Residents alleged that despite spending crores of rupees on a newly constructed drain in the area, the issue of waterlogging has only worsened. They claimed the Rukminigaon drain is now deeper than even the Bahini River and the GS Road drainage system, unintentionally turning the locality into a catchment for runoff water from surrounding areas.

“Until the government stops the unchecked flow of water from other parts of the city into Rukminigaon and undertakes proper deepening and cleaning of the Bahini River, the problem of artificial flooding will never be resolved,” another resident said.

Locals also expressed frustration that while the state government could allocate ₹9 crore for the flyover’s construction, which conveniently connects directly to Dispur, no serious effort has been made to resolve the chronic flooding that affects thousands in the locality during every monsoon.

“The flyover benefits the VIPs and those in power. But for us common people, it’s the same misery year after year. We get the water, and they get the bridge,” said a visibly angry shopkeeper.

As the rains continue, Rukminigaon remains a glaring example of the city’s uneven development, where fast-tracked urban infrastructure runs parallel to neglected civic woes.

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