Congress leader Rishi Shastri questions drainage infrastructure, alleges unchecked colony development has worsened urban flooding
Published on: July 07, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The season’s first spell of heavy monsoon rain has exposed waterlogging at several locations in Rajnandgaon, with the District Hospital among the worst-affected facilities. Rainwater entered the hospital premises, disrupting movement for patients and attendants, while X-ray services have reportedly remained non-operational, forcing patients to seek diagnostic tests at private centres.
The waterlogging has raised questions over the effectiveness of recent infrastructure upgrades at the hospital. Nearly ₹3 crore was recently spent on construction and improvement works, with assurances that the recurring problem of flooding within the hospital premises had been addressed. However, the first major rainfall of the season saw the campus inundated once again, prompting concerns over construction quality and the adequacy of the drainage system.
Heavy rainfall also affected the Agricultural Produce Market, where paddy kept for auction by farmers and traders was soaked after water accumulated in the market premises. According to the report, inadequate drainage and protective arrangements resulted in damage to agricultural produce worth several lakhs of rupees.
Former Congress councillor and party spokesperson Rishi Shastri alleged that unplanned urban development by several private colonisers has significantly contributed to the city’s recurring waterlogging problems.
Mr. Shastri claimed that natural drainage channels and water flow routes had been blocked or diverted in several areas to facilitate residential plotting. He alleged that colonies had been developed without adequate drainage and sewerage infrastructure, the consequences of which are now being experienced across the city during heavy rainfall.
He further stated that rainwater entered residential areas in Basantpur, Indiranagar and Nandai, causing damage to household belongings and disrupting normal movement.
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Questioning the pre-monsoon preparedness of the BJP-led government and the Municipal Corporation, Mr. Shastri demanded strict action against officials responsible for civic planning and against colonisers accused of violating regulations.
He also called for the city’s drainage network to be developed on scientific planning principles and urged the authorities to prevent any further interference with natural drainage channels, saying such measures are essential to avoid recurring waterlogging during the monsoon.
