GUWAHATI: The residents of Lachit Nagar in Guwahati are facing challenges due to improper desiltation practices, as sludge from cleaned drains is being left piled along the roadside. This negligence is creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment, causing dissent among locals.
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The ongoing desiltation drive, to improve the drainage system before the rains and such, has brought relief to many. However, the lack of proper disposal methods for the extracted sludge is causing new problems. Heaps of foul-smelling sludge are obstructing pedestrian pathways and contributing to air and water contamination.
Talking to GPlus, Anjan Sharma, a shopkeeper in the area said, “We appreciate the initiative to clean the drains, but leaving the sludge on the roads is counterproductive. It not only disrupts traffic but also poses health risks due to the filth and foul odour.”
Locals are also of the opinion that the exposed sludge could deter public health, serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests. Additionally, in the event of rainfall, the waste could wash back into the drains, undoing the cleaning efforts all over.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from GMC said, “We generally keep the sludge from the drains at the location for a day to dry before transporting them properly.”
However, it remains to be seen as to how prompt authorities tackle such situations and clear up the waste beside the streets.