Assam: Villagers Live in Waist-Deep Water for Weeks as Highway Project Chokes Lifelines

Residents of the Jhanji-Jamuguri area in Assam’s Sivasagar district are reeling under what they claim to be an “artificial flood” – a prolonged waterlogging crisis allegedly triggered by the unscientific construction practices of Akshaya Infratech Private Limited, the firm responsible for building the four-lane stretch of National Highway-37 from Jhanji to Demow.

Entire localities, including Betoni Chuk in Bolmia Gaon (village), have remained submerged for nearly a month, forcing several families to live in waterlogged homes and unsafe conditions. Locals allege that the construction company filled up age-old natural drains during the ongoing roadwork, without ensuring proper drainage alternatives for rainwater to escape.

One of the worst-hit facilities is the Jhanji's State Veterinary Dispensary, now under waist-deep water. Several internal roads connected to the main highway have also gone underwater, cutting off mobility in low-lying areas.

The ongoing construction spans a 44-kilometre stretch of NH-37 and falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. While the highway is part of a major central infrastructure push, residents argue that the project is being executed without regard for local topography and hydrology.

“What used to be natural channels for rainwater have been filled up by the company. There are no new culverts or scientific water outlets. As a result, even moderate rainfall causes large-scale waterlogging,” said a local resident of Betoni Chuk.

Villagers are also reporting an uptick in waterborne illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. “Several people are falling sick. The stagnant water is turning into a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said another resident.

Adding to their woes, the artificial floods have submerged grazing lands, leaving hundreds of cattle without access to pasture. For a largely agrarian population, this is proving disastrous. “The water has swallowed up our paddy fields and grazing areas. We are losing both crops and milk,” said a visibly distraught farmer.

Local experts warn that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, such as re-excavating the traditional drainage canals or constructing scientifically designed drainage systems, the region may continue to face artificial floods even after minor showers.

Despite growing public anger, there has been no official response yet from the highway authorities or the construction company.

Villagers are now urging the district administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to step in and enforce environmental compliance on the part of the contractor. Until then, the people of Jhanji-Jamuguri remain trapped — not by natural calamity, but by man-made neglect.

Also Read: Assam Flood Update: Crisis Worsens in Golaghat; Dhansiri River Swells