Assam’s Ranganadi to Phokonia Road Swept Away by Floodwaters: Locals Protest Against 5-Year Neglect by PWD

 Date: 16 May 2025

Location: Ranganadi Village, North Lakhimpur, Assam

RANGANADI, NORTH LAKHIMPUR – The long-ignored Ranganadi to Phokonia road in Assam's North Lakhimpur district has finally collapsed under nature’s pressure, exposing years of negligence by the Public Works Department (PWD). On 16th May, following continuous rainfall over the past week, the under-construction road was swept away by strong water currents, disrupting the daily life of hundreds of villagers and triggering widespread local protests.

The road, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Assam Government’s PWD and was recently being developed under the supervision of North lakhimpur MLA @Manab Deka, had reportedly been in poor condition for over five years. Despite repeated appeals by the residents, no significant repair or construction was undertaken until very recently.

Floodwaters Block Commute, Students and Workers Affected:

Due to Assam’s vulnerability to seasonal flooding and climate change-induced heavy rainfall, the region has become increasingly susceptible to such infrastructural collapses. The road’s damage has halted transportation between Ranganadi and Phokonia, leaving schoolchildren, office-goers, and even emergency services stranded.

Villagers narrated how children had to return from halfway, and several employees could not reach their workplaces. Many also complained of rising health concerns, as access to healthcare facilities was affected due to the road block.

Local Protests Erupt: Led by YouTuber @Jarsang Ao:

Frustrated by the ongoing apathy, locals organized a mass protest at the site of the washed-away road. The protest was led by popular local YouTuber and activist @Jarsang Ao, who mobilized villagers and drew attention to the crisis through live social media coverage.

Standing beside the gushing floodwaters, Jarsang Ao criticized the PWD department for delaying necessary construction work and questioned why action was only taken after years of public complaints. His efforts helped draw in a large crowd, including local youth, elders, and community leaders, who demanded immediate intervention and permanent repair of the road infrastructure.

“We have been suffering for five years,” said one villager. “They only started construction a few months ago, and even that has now been swept away. Is this the development they promised?”

Government Response Still Awaited! 

As of the latest reports, the PWD department has not released any official statement. However, sources suggest that an emergency inspection team may be dispatched to assess the damage. Pressure is now mounting on MLA Manab Deka to ensure immediate and sustainable restoration work.

The Ranganadi-Phokonia road crisis is a glaring example of infrastructural neglect and lack of flood-resilient planning in Assam. As climate change continues to amplify the frequency of heavy rains and floods, it is imperative for state authorities to not just rebuild, but to build smart and strong.

The voice of the people, amplified by digital activists like @Jarsang Ao, is louder than ever. Whether the government listens and acts now — not five years later — remains to be seen.

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