Guwahati, Jun 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has flagged inadequate drainage and unplanned urban development as key factors contributing to artificial floods in cities such as Dibrugarh and Silchar.

Sarma noted that construction on vacant land obstructs natural water flow, worsening waterlogging in urban areas. “If there is vacant land somewhere, water can go till there. But if a building comes up there two days later, where will the water go?” he said.

He warned that as urban development continues, the issue of artificial flooding will persist unless proper drainage systems are put in place. “We will have to make better drainage and resolve this,” Sarma added.