Agartala’s rainy nightmare continues after heavy downpour. Cumulative rainfall between 2.30 pm- 8.30 pm in its Agartala rainfall measuring station alone observed to be 100.4 mm.
Agartala (Tripura) May 31: Citizens of Agartala woke up to a sunny Saturday – a bit hot and humid. As time passed by, the weather started changing. By afternoon, dark clouds overcast Agartala skyline.
Started with low rumble in the sky, sudden but frequent ear deafening bolts accompanied by intense shower lashed out in Agartala and adjoining areas under the West Tripura District.
Soon the newly revamped drainage pumps roared into action making it a machine versus nature battle.
According to the IMD, Agartala cumulative rainfall between 2.30 pm- 8.30 pm in its Agartala rainfall measuring station alone observed to be 100.4 mm.
The IMD data revealed, Bodhjungnagar station received 193.5 mm rainfall while two other stations – DM Office and Secretariat recorded 135.5 and 120.5 mm rainfall respectively during the 2.30 pm- 8.30pm period.
In the days leading up to today’s downpour, the IMD had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall. However, the city had only experienced sporadic showers, and for many, the rain brought relief from the scorching heat.
But that sense of comfort vanished by Saturday evening when rising water levels on the streets and clogged drains transformed relief into anxiety.
In localities such as Indranagar, Math Choumuhani, and Abhoynagar, residents could do little but watch as rainwater invaded their homes disrupting normal life.
Outside, the situation was equally grim. Key roads like Ramnagar Road, Colonel Choumuhani, and parts of Airport Road turned into gushing streams.
Severe waterlogging along with rains and lightning created panic among the students returning from schools, colleges and tution centres.
With roads waterlogged and transport system collapsed, people were seen returning to their homes wading through above-knee water level.
Numerous bikes, Auto-rickshaws and cars, caught mid-route, stalled helplessly in the water.
With drain water invading engines, multiple bikes of the staff of the tehsil office in Banamalipur remained parked at roadside.
Officials from the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) noted that drainage pumps had been recently upgraded, and significant efforts had gone into enhancing the city’s drainage infrastructure.
However, the sudden and heavy downpour—exceptionally intense even for pre-monsoon standards—laid bare the city’s infrastructural shortcomings.
“The system couldn’t handle the pressure,” confessed a municipal official who preferred to remain anonymous. “Yes, we’ve improved some areas, but when rainfall of this magnitude happens in such a short span, the weak points become obvious.”
“We’re doing everything we can, and hopefully, the rain will ease soon so that pump houses can operate at full strength,” he added.
As the flooding worsened, social media platforms were flooded with visuals of submerged neighborhoods, floating debris, and schoolchildren drenched to the bone.
“Every year the same story is repeated. The Agartala Municipal Corporation has installed so many drainage water pumps at different locations in Agartala, but situation has not improved – rather the situation has deteriorated as the more areas which were not inundated in the past are now witnessing rain water gushing in”, said a resident of Lal Bahadur Choumuhani in Agartala.
Expressing his frustration, Animesh Debbarma of Aboynagar said, “Drain-water flooding is nothing new to us. No matter which political party is in power, no matter how much big value project they roll out, we will continue to suffer. I think, concerned authority should realise solving waterlogging in Agartala is not their cup of tea. So, instead of wasting huge funds in the name improving drainage system, it would be better if the fund can be utilised for other purposes”.
Expressing his frustration, Animesh Debbarma of Aboynagar said, “Drain-water flooding is nothing new to us. No matter which political party is in power, no matter how much big value project they roll out, we will continue to suffer. I think, concerned authority should realise solving waterlogging in Agartala is not their cup of tea. So, instead of wasting huge funds in the name improving drainage system, it would be better if the fund can be utilised for other purposes”.
Meanwhile, in many areas local NGOs and individuals sprang into action in the worst-hit areas extending help.
With forecasts indicating more rain ahead, the administration shifted to crisis mode. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha monitored the and reviewed the situation.
Emergency teams were deployed to monitor water levels and clear blockages from drains.
Saturday’s downpour was more than just a weather anomaly for Agartala. It was a harsh reminder of the city’s fragile infrastructure, increasing population pressure, and the urgent need for sustainable and scientific urban planning.
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For residents like Swapan Ghosh, it was a painful reflection of how swiftly normal life is rattled when dirty drain-water invades houses everytime after a shower.
A sense of frustration and lack of faith on drainage improvement project is obvious. But will the concerned authority note down it?
