Heavy rains leave Bilaspur waterlogged, exposing severe drainage failures in areas like Sarkanda and Abhishek Vihar.

On Tuesday night, the downpours converted significant areas from Sarkanda to Abhishek Vihar into expansive water bodies, eclipsing Bilaspur's grandiose boasts of being a smart city. With clogged sewers and collapsed outlets forcing residents indoors, what was once thought to be contemporary infrastructure is now exposed. In their own neighborhoods, residents are stranded as streets, homes, and market fronts continue to be submerged in murky water.

The Bilaspur Assembly constituency's Sarkanda locality is still the worst affected, with sizable areas under water. Families were forced to spend the night using buckets to sweep water out of flooded homes and lanes. Locals publicly criticized the municipal corporation for being careless, claiming that their repeated grievances were ignored. They drained the water themselves all night long. No assistance showed up.

The identical scenario occurs every year, yet the corporation only operates on paper, according to a resident. The issue was made worse by floodwater pouring into residential rooms of Abhishek Vihar Colony's Ward No. 14. Household items were destroyed, children were forced to perch on elevated spots, and families were left trapped. Infuriated locals blasted their council member for doing nothing in spite of several requests. They repeatedly filed complaints, but nothing changed.

According to a housewife, the colony now looks like a lake, suggesting that the interiors were flooded. Parents expressed concerns about the safety of their children while they were in school. Taking kids to school is akin to taking a chance. The streets have been transformed into ponds by them. "Who will be responsible if an accident occurs?" a group of guardians inquired.