Agartala, April 23: With the monsoon season fast approaching, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has stepped up its drive to clean clogged drains across the city, aiming to prevent waterlogging and reduce the growing threat of urban flooding.
Across several parts of Agartala, AMC workers are actively clearing drainage channels—often working late into the night—to remove plastic waste and debris obstructing water flow. Officials say such blockages remain one of the primary causes of severe waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
The urgency of these efforts has been heightened by recent flooding in Guwahati, where rainfall exceeding 100 mm earlier this month led to widespread inundation and loss of life. The situation has triggered concern for cities like Agartala, which share similar climatic conditions and vulnerabilities.
Agartala is currently witnessing multiple infrastructure upgrades under the Smart City Mission, including improvements to its drainage systems. However, officials emphasize that infrastructure development alone cannot fully address the issue.
Civic behaviour remains a critical factor. The indiscriminate disposal of plastic and household waste into drains by residents significantly contributes to blockages, worsening flood risks. Authorities have urged citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and refrain from littering.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala has issued a heat warning following a spike in temperature and humidity levels on Thursday, while also forecasting rainfall in the coming days. Experts caution that increasing frequency of extreme weather events is making preparedness more crucial than ever.
As government agencies intensify mitigation measures, citizens too have a vital role to play. Maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper waste management are essential steps toward building a flood-resilient city.
