The Basistha area, extending from Notun Bazar to Latakata and beyond, is facing severe waste management issues. Once known for its pristine streams, the locality now stands as a testament to negligence and disorder. The Basistha river, originating from Meghalaya and flowing through the area, is heavily polluted with garbage, transforming from a crystal-clear stream to a polluted waterway. This river, which further extends into Bahini and Bharalu, has become a victim of unregulated waste disposal.
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Residents have expressed their frustration over the indifferent attitude of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The negligence has led to the river and its surroundings being overwhelmed by heaps of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste.
A resident of Ghormara, performing rituals near the Basistha Temple, shared his dismay, saying, "I was there for my mother's death rituals. The environment out there is absolutely horrible. The water which was clear before is now polluted. I've witnessed households which surround that streamline openly disposing garbage. The foul smell of garbage and urine was unbearable."
The resident further criticised the authorities for their inaction, noting, "I wonder why the authorities are waiting for so long? I understand it is a place which hardly falls under any importance regarding administration. But, ultimately it is a part of Guwahati and there has been a history regarding this place. The temple itself is a testament. I pity such negligence and substandard conscience."
The area around Basistha Ashram has also become notorious for substance abuse, despite the presence of a police outpost. Devotees visiting the temple, especially during the Bol Bam period, often use the space for intoxication, intensifying the area's deteriorating condition.
A resident of Ganesh Nagar echoed these concerns, stating, "The area is in a total state of disrepair. There are certain locations where garbage dumping has been normal. Unfortunately, there is no one to hold accountable for. Even the authority has been mute for a long time."
The neglect extends beyond roadside waste dumping. The Basistha river is in a state of utter neglect, with heaps of waste floating and accumulating over time. There has been no concrete action or suggestions from the authorities to address the issue.
Encroachment along the riverbanks has further aggravated the problem. Over time, several households have extended towards the banks, and the lack of a proper waste collection system has contributed to the current state of the Basistha river.
A source from GMC acknowledged the long-standing neglect, saying, "The Basistha area has been neglected by the authority for a very long time. I guess just because it is a bit towards the outskirts such negligence is visible. Earlier, there were discussions on eviction drives. But, those were only in words. No action was initiated. There needs to be a check on such issues. But, it's still a distant reality."
Despite a defence base in the area where waste management issues are promptly addressed within the premises, the government has failed to set a similar example outside the campus.
The residents of Basistha are growing increasingly desperate for relief from the deteriorating conditions. They hope that the authorities will take swift action to address the waste management crisis before the situation becomes irreparable.
In recent years, the plight of Basistha has drawn attention from environmental activists and local NGOs, who have organised several clean-up drives and awareness campaigns. However, these efforts have had limited impact due to the lack of sustained support from local authorities and the continued negligence of proper waste disposal practices by the residents.
An environmental activist from a local NGO emphasised the need for a comprehensive waste management plan, saying, "We have conducted numerous clean-up drives, but without the support of the authorities and a proper waste management system in place, our efforts are just a drop in the ocean. The community needs to be educated about the importance of proper waste disposal, and the authorities must enforce regulations strictly."
The activist further pointed out that the pollution in Basistha river is not just an environmental issue but also a public health concern. The contaminated water poses serious health risks to the residents, who rely on the river for various daily activities. "Waterborne diseases are on the rise in the area, and it's directly linked to the polluted river. We need immediate intervention to prevent a public health crisis," he added.
Local businesses and shopkeepers in the Basistha area have also been affected by the deteriorating conditions. Many complain of reduced foot traffic and sales, as the foul smell and unsightly heaps of garbage drive customers away. A shopkeeper near Notun Bazar expressed his frustration, stating, "Our businesses are suffering. People don't want to come to this area because of the garbage and the smell. We need the government to step in and clean up this mess, not just for the environment but for our livelihoods as well."
The Basistha river's pollution also threatens the local biodiversity. The once-thriving ecosystem, home to various aquatic species, is now in jeopardy. If the current situation persists, the river's ecosystem could collapse, leading to long-term ecological damage.
In response to the growing outcry, a GMC official assured that plans are underway to address the waste management issues in Basistha. "We are working on a waste management plan that includes regular garbage collection, stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations, and community awareness programs. We urge the residents to cooperate with us and report any violations they witness," the official said.
The residents of Basistha, however, remain sceptical. They have heard similar promises before and seen little action. Many believe that the authorities' efforts will be short-lived and that lasting change will only come with continuous pressure from the community and civil society.
As the situation in Basistha continues to deteriorate, the call for action grows louder. The community is united in their demand for immediate and effective intervention. They hope that with sustained effort and cooperation from all stakeholders, Basistha can be restored to its former glory, and the Basistha river can once again flow clean and clear.