GUWAHATI: Guwahati has been abuzz with allegations of corruption against the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) over the installation of unauthorised unipoles across the city. Residents and officials alike have raised concerns about the sudden increase of these structures, which many claim violate regulations.
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Talking to GPlus, a resident in GS Road said, “It is outrageous how these massive unipoles are being put up overnight without any warning or consultation. This is insane. How can the authorities just allow this to happen? Don’t they care about safety or rules?”
The unipoles, often placed in high-traffic zones, not only obstruct views but also raise safety concerns. Many residents feel the installations are reflective of a deeper issue—alleged corruption and lack of transparency within the city administration. While locals demand answers, the unipoles remain standing, casting a shadow over the city’s skyline and the credibility of its governing bodies.
Another resident in Lachit Nagar talking to GPlus alleged, “There’s big-level corruption that GMC is doing. I am sure the ones who have got the NOCs from GMC are high-level people, which is why GMC is allowing this."
Government officials have also pointed fingers at GMC.
Talking to GPlus, a Public Works Department (PWD) official told GPlus, “In a District Road Safety Committee meeting, this issue was raised. We do not allow these unipoles as they are unauthorised. But when we inspect, many companies claim and show us NOCs issued by GMC. It is GMC which is allowing these unauthorised unipoles.”
Amid rising criticism over the sudden installation of unipoles across Guwahati, Mrigen Sarania, the Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), defended the corporation’s stance, stating that unipoles are a source of revenue.
Talking to GPlus, Sarania said, “We earn revenue from these unipoles, and they are issued NOCs as per their requirement. However, there are cases where some install unipoles without our permission. When such unauthorised structures come to our notice, we take action and demolish them.”
Responding to allegations of corruption, Sarania defended himself, saying that accusations often come from those who feel dissatisfied with administrative decisions.
“The ones who don’t get the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will naturally feel aggrieved and blame us,” he said, addressing the controversy surrounding the issuance of NOCs.
He further challenged critics to take legal recourse if they believed there was any wrongdoing. “If they truly think there's corruption, they are free to file a case against us.” Sarania added.
