The guidelines are explicit. Construction materials must be stored in covered spaces, and water sprinkling is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, violations continue despite repeated warnings to contractors and departments involved—Pollution Control Board Official
As construction work on the Chandmari-Bamunimaidam and Rukminigaon flyovers progresses, the Public Works Department (PWD) finds itself at the centre of yet another controversy. Allegations of flouting Pollution Control Board (PCB) guidelines regarding the storage and management of construction materials have surfaced, adding to the woes of residents and commuters.
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According to the PCB’s directives, construction materials such as sand, cement, and debris must be covered adequately to prevent them from becoming airborne. Regular water sprinkling near construction sites is also mandated to minimise dust pollution. However, these essential measures are conspicuously absent at the aforementioned sites, leaving residents exposed to hazardous levels of dust and particulate matter.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior PCB official said, “The guidelines are explicit. Construction materials must be stored in covered spaces, and water sprinkling is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, violations continue despite repeated warnings to contractors and departments involved.”
The official further noted that the PCB had issued notices to PWD and its contractors earlier this year, but compliance remains minimal.
For residents and daily commuters in these areas, the construction has turned into a nightmare. The dust emanating from open piles of sand and gravel covers roads, vehicles, and even homes. Local shopkeepers complain of reduced footfall as potential customers avoid the area altogether due to health risks and poor visibility.
A resident from Bamunimaidam shared, “I sweep my house thrice a day, yet there’s no escape from the dust. My children are constantly coughing, and my asthma has worsened. Why can’t the authorities ensure proper measures are in place?”
The sentiment was echoed by commuters, who claim that the construction adds not only to traffic congestion but also to their health concerns.
When approached, a senior PWD official conceded that the department is aware of the violations. “We have instructed the contractors to follow the rules. However, workers often fail to abide by these instructions, primarily to cut costs,” the official stated.
Such admissions of neglect do little to ease the frustrations of citizens, who view the department's actions as half-hearted and apathetic. Contractors, too, seem to be emboldened by the lack of stringent enforcement and penalties.
While traffic jams have become an accepted by-product of construction projects, the additional burden of unchecked pollution has raised serious concerns. With no traffic management plan in place, bottlenecks near Chandmari and Rukminigaon stretch for kilometres during peak hours.
To make matters worse, the dust from the open materials aggravates the already chaotic situation. “I leave an hour earlier than usual for work and still get delayed. The pollution makes it unbearable to even roll down the car windows,” said a commuter navigating the Chandmari stretch.
The environmental impact of the ongoing projects is not limited to inconvenience; it poses severe health risks. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
A city based pulmonologist, noted, “We’ve seen a few cases of respiratory distress, especially from areas near construction sites. Chronic exposure to such pollution can lead to long-term health complications, including asthma and bronchitis.”
The lack of water sprinkling, which could significantly reduce dust levels, has been highlighted as a critical failure.
The Pollution Control Board has laid down specific rules to minimise the environmental and health impacts of construction projects. These include:
1. Storage of Materials: All construction materials must be covered or stored in enclosed spaces.
2. Dust Suppression: Regular water sprinkling is mandatory around construction sites.
3. Waste Disposal: Debris should be removed promptly and disposed of at designated locations.
4. Traffic Management: Adequate signage and diversions must be put in place to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
5. Monitoring: Regular inspections by contractors and reporting to authorities are required to maintain compliance.
Despite these detailed guidelines, implementation remains a significant challenge in Guwahati.
The blame game between PWD, contractors, and labourers does little to address the root cause of the issue. Citizens argue that a lack of accountability and transparency is the primary reason behind the persistent violations.
A member of an environmental NGO remarked, “PWD cannot wash its hands of the responsibility by blaming contractors. The department is ultimately answerable to the public and must enforce compliance rigorously."
For Guwahati, infrastructure projects often come at a heavy price. Previous flyover constructions have also drawn criticism for delays, poor planning, and environmental degradation. Citizens are left to bear the brunt of these shortcomings, with little to no recourse.
“We’ve seen the same story unfold during the construction of the Six Mile-Khanapara flyover. Promises were made, but the suffering of residents was ignored. It’s happening again,” said a senior citizen from Rukminigaon.
Experts believe that stricter enforcement of PCB guidelines, coupled with punitive measures for non-compliance, is the need of the hour. Enhanced monitoring by independent agencies and greater public participation in holding authorities accountable could also help.
Suggestions include:
- Installing air quality monitors near construction sites.
- Publishing monthly reports on compliance by PWD and contractors.
- Introducing fines for repeat offenders.
- Involving local communities in decision-making processes.
As Guwahati aspires to become a model city with world-class infrastructure, it must also prioritise the well-being of its residents. Authorities must recognise that development cannot come at the cost of public health and environmental degradation.
Until then, citizens of Chandmari, Bamunimaidam, and Rukminigaon can only hope for a change in the way projects are managed—both for their health and their sanity.
