Gauhati High Court Reserves Order on Pawan Khera’s Anticipatory Bail Plea in FIR by Assam CM’s Wife

In his letter addressed to AHRC chairperson Justice Arup Kumar Goswami, Saikia reportedly described the situation as a “continuing and systemic human rights violation” impacting residents’ rights to life, livelihood, dignity and education.

At least one person died and normal life was disrupted across the city on Monday after torrential rain submerged roads, inundated homes and paralysed traffic. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority confirmed that a woman, identified as Payal Nath, died after falling into a drain at Maligaon Chariali near the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarters.

“I respectfully submit this representation seeking the urgent intervention of this commission regarding the continuing and systemic human rights violations affecting the residents of Guwahati,” Saikia was quoted as saying by reports.

He termed the crisis a “multi-layered failure of governance,” alleging collapse of civic infrastructure, non-implementation of judicial directions, ineffective public expenditure, displacement of vulnerable populations, and continued loss of life and dignity.

Saikia argued that the recurring flooding is not a natural inevitability but a preventable hazard, citing incidents such as people being swept into open drains, deaths due to uncovered infrastructure, electrocution in waterlogged areas and widespread storm damage.

He also highlighted the impact on daily life, noting that repeated school closures have disrupted education, while daily wage earners are losing income and businesses are incurring losses.

Large parts of Guwahati, including Zoo Road, GS Road, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, Ulubari, Chandmari and Maligaon, reported flooding, with water levels ranging from knee-deep to chest-high in several areas.