Nongpoh, July 9: Residents of Harlibagan village in Byrnihat have threatened to stage a road blockade if the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) fails to address the inadequate drainage system along National Highway-6, which they say has been causing recurring floods and severe hardship to local households.
The alleged failure of the NHAI to improve the roadside drainage has left several families in Harlibagan affected by repeated flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall. According to the villagers, the existing drains along NH-6 in the Byrnihat Proper area are incapable of handling rainwater, resulting in water overflowing into residential areas.
On Wednesday, Harlibagan village headman Wanphrang Lyngdoh, accompanied by village leaders and residents, inspected the houses affected by the flash floods that occurred on July 7, 2026, following heavy rainfall.
The inspection was conducted after several affected families lodged complaints with the village authorities. During the visit, the village leaders found that the flooding was primarily caused by the inadequate drainage system constructed by the NHAI along National Highway-6 passing through Byrnihat Proper.
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“The floodwater, mixed with dirty water, entered kitchens and bedrooms, damaging household belongings and causing immense hardship to the affected families,” he said.
The village headman further stated that the local MLA had already intervened by convening officials from the NHAI, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi, and village leaders to inspect the flood-affected areas. However, despite the inspection, the NHAI has yet to take any corrective measures, while local residents continue to bear the brunt of the problem.
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He urged the NHAI, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and the local MLA to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and provide relief to the affected residents.
Warning of stronger action, Lyngdoh said that if the NHAI fails to construct a proper drainage system to ensure the free flow of rainwater, the residents will have no option but to come out in large numbers and block National Highway-6 in protest.
