Sohtun attributes Assam floods to defective highway drains, rejects blame shift

Sohtun, a senior official in Assam, responded to recent criticism linking the state's floods to various factors, stating that the primary cause is the malfunctioning drainage systems along state highways.
He pointed out that many stretches of highway lack proper culverts, causing water to accumulate and overflow into adjacent low‑lying areas during heavy monsoon rains.
His remarks came after state authorities and opposition parties blamed climate change and inadequate disaster management. Sohtun urged the public works department to prioritize repair and upgrade of highway drains.
The official called for an immediate audit of drainage infrastructure and promised to bring the issue before the state cabinet, emphasizing that fixing the drains is essential to mitigate future flood damage.