Ward number- 45
Ward Councillor- Madhabi Talukdar
Voters- 20,000 approx
Population- 25,000 approx
Concentrated areas- Patorkuchi, Alok Nagar, Sushila Path, Bakrapara, Pillingkata.
Guwahati’s Ward 45, covering areas such as Patorkuchi, Alok Nagar, Sushila Path, Bakrapara, and Pillingkata, has witnessed some development in recent years. However, significant infrastructural issues persist, leaving residents frustrated. With approximately 25,000 residents and 20,000 registered voters, the ward has struggled to see substantial progress in road construction, drainage management, street lighting, and waste disposal. While authorities have faced criticism for their inefficiency, civic indifference has further escalated the situation.
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A major issue plaguing Ward 45 is the incomplete road network. Out of the 112 roads sanctioned for construction, only 13 have been completed, leaving a majority of the ward’s residents to navigate through dilapidated and uneven pathways. While the Public Works Department (PWD) has faced blame for the slow progress, the ward’s councillor, Madhabi Talukdar, pointed out that a significant portion of the problem lies with the residents themselves.
“The residents keep on asking for new roads, and when the government provides them, they refuse to negotiate their portion of land that falls within the proposed roadway,” Talukdar told GPlus. “How will this work?”
This reluctance to give up land has caused repeated delays in construction, further increasing the poor condition of roads. As a result, areas like Patorkuchi and Pillingkata continue to struggle with poor connectivity, affecting daily life and access to essential services. Commuters often have to take longer routes or struggle through muddy/slippery roads during the monsoons, risking their safety.
Even in places where construction has taken place, the quality of work has been questioned. Many roads developed under the new schemes have already started showing signs of wear and tear. Potholes appear within months, raising concerns about the durability of the materials used. “Every time a road is built, we hope it lasts. But within a few months, cracks start appearing. What’s the point of this so-called development?” said a resident from Alok Nagar.
Street lighting has seen partial progress, with the first phase of installations completed. However, the second phase remains pending, leaving many stretches of the ward poorly lit. The lack of proper lighting has also contributed to security concerns, as some areas become hotspots for criminal activities after dark.
“We appreciate the new streetlights in some parts, but what about the other half of the ward? It’s like development is happening in patches, and the rest of us are left in darkness,” said another local resident from Bakrapara.
The poor lighting situation has also been blamed for the rise in road accidents, particularly in the inner lanes where pedestrians and motorists struggle to see clearly at night. Many alleys remain vulnerable to theft and other crimes due to insufficient illumination.
Drainage remains one of the most persistent and pressing issues in the ward. Open drains, clogged with garbage, result in waterlogging during the monsoon. This situation is not solely the fault of the authorities; even educated residents have been found dumping waste directly into drains and rivers.
A natural drain flows from Meghalaya and connects to the Bahini River, but its effectiveness has been compromised due to unchecked waste disposal. Councillor Talukdar expressed her frustration over public apathy, stating, “We have discussed with the public about constructing a drain to prevent the waste from flowing into Bahini, but there are 2-3 houses that refuse to leave the space required. It would only need a 12-foot area, but they are least bothered. When I approach them, they criticise me for showing power as a councillor.”
Residents have admitted to facing severe flooding during heavy rains, with waterlogging often damaging property and contaminating drinking water. “Every monsoon, we fear that water will enter our homes. We have raised complaints, but little has changed,” said a homeowner in Sushila Path.
Regular cleaning efforts are undertaken, including the use of excavators to clear culverts and drains. However, the relief is short-lived. Soon after a ritual is performed, ritualistic offerings and other waste are dumped into the drains, nullifying the cleaning efforts.
Garbage disposal has been another long-standing challenge. Initially, residents hesitated to use the Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) garbage collection service because it required a fee. Even after the fee was removed, the problem persisted, with many continuing to dump their waste directly into the Bahini River.
“Residents throw their garbage packed in bags directly into Bahini. To them, it’s just a drain now,” Talukdar lamented.
Despite GMC’s efforts to encourage door-to-door waste collection, participation has remained low. Piles of uncollected waste near major roads have led to foul odours and an increase in stray animals in the area. The local markets also contribute to the issue, with vendors disposing of waste in open spaces instead of designated dumping zones.
Crime, particularly petty theft, remains a concern in Ward 45. Reports of minor robberies are frequent, with some culprits apprehended while others remain at large. The ward falls under the jurisdiction of Basistha Police Station, which has struggled to maintain order in some areas.
Drug abuse is another rising issue, especially near the Basistha Ashram. The area’s landscape provides ample secluded spots, making it a haven for drug users. While periodic police action has been taken, the problem persists, requiring a more consistent crackdown.
“Drug addicts loiter around certain areas, and it’s unsafe for children. We’ve asked the police for more patrols, but it’s not enough,” said a resident.
Unlike other civic amenities, healthcare has not posed a major challenge in the ward. With adequate medical facilities in place, there have been no recent reports of serious issues in accessing healthcare services. However, residents remain wary that without proper infrastructure, public health risks may rise due to unclean surroundings and poor drainage.
“Doctors are available, but diseases like dengue and malaria are on the rise because of unhygienic conditions. We need authorities to act before it gets worse,” stated a health worker from the area.
Meanwhile, the ward is yet to witness Guwahati Jal Board's (GJB) project of water supply.
Despite the councillor’s efforts, the development of Ward 45 remains sluggish due to a combination of bureaucratic inefficiency and public negligence. The lack of cooperation between residents and the government has stalled essential projects. If issues such as road construction delays, drainage blockages, waste mismanagement, and rising crime are not addressed promptly, the ward may soon face irreversible challenges.
Authorities must prioritise transparency in infrastructure projects while enforcing stricter regulations on waste management and encroachment. Meanwhile, residents must acknowledge their role in sustaining development by adhering to civic responsibilities. Without proactive intervention from both the public and officials, Ward 45 risks becoming yet another neglected part of Guwahati, struggling under the weight of infrastructural decay and civic indifference.
