Sanitation woes, overflowing sewers, and unattended garbage dumps have become pressing concerns, troubling residents across almost all neighbourhoods in Guwahati.
The city, known for its cultural vibrancy and historical significance, now grapples with a less pleasant reputation – one marked by foul smells and environmental negligence.
Residents find themselves at the mercy of the wind, which, when playful, carries the distinct stench of neglected waste across Guwahati's localities.
However, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), tasked with overseeing the city's environmental health, seems relatively unperturbed by these olfactory challenges.
For the residents, though, there is no escaping the unpleasant odour that lingers in the air, a constant reminder of the colossal garbage dump that continues to be a source of frustration.
The situation is exacerbated by the practice of dumping garbage on roadsides, with the waste often left unattended for days.
This has led to concerns about the lack of regular sweeping in different sectors of the city. Residents lament the accumulation of refuse in their neighbourhoods, highlighting the absence of consistent cleaning efforts that could alleviate the problem.
On days when the wind carries the scent across Guwahati, the impact on residents is palpable. The stench becomes an unwelcome companion, lingering in the air and affecting the quality of life for those who call the city home.
The capital city's cleanliness seems to be overlooked by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), leaving residents with little recourse.
Complaints include garbage dumped on roadsides for extended periods without regular sweeping. Sewer overflows near Zoo Tiniali have led to foul smells, prompting residents to describe the area as a dumping ground rather than a functioning sewage system.
“We have complained many times about this sewage issue, but no one has come to check. It's not just a sewage problem anymore; there are piles of dirt, making it look like a dumping ground now,” a resident of Zoo Tiniali told GPlus.
Residents in Jayanagar, specifically at the end of Tripura Road, face severe waste mismanagement due to a scarcity of dustbins. The entire locality relies on a lone dustbin for six nearby areas, causing waste overflow and raising hygiene concerns.
Talking to GPlus, a frustrated resident in Jayanagar seeking anonymity emphasised the deteriorating conditions, said, "The area transforms into a garbage dump within days after being cleaned.”
Issues persist in other areas like Guwahati Club, where residents complained of littered roads and insufficient sweeping. The road's accumulation of waste obstructs pedestrians and emanates foul odours, making it an unhygienic space.
Talking to GPlus, a resident in Dighalipukhuri said, “I find this entire road almost filled with garbage. I can't even walk through this stretch due to the foul smell and heaps of dirt. The roads are filled with garbage, preventing easy passage and contributing to unpleasant smells."
Open dumping and improper garbage disposal in Lal Ganesh were also flagged as major issues, causing air pollution and reflecting a lack of responsibility on the part of GMC officials.
Another resident in Jayanagar highlighted the recurrence of waste accumulation despite temporary cleaning efforts.
“I have noticed the waste piling up again, even after they clean it up temporarily,” a resident of Jayanagar informed GPlus.
However, speaking to GPlus, Mrigen Sarania, the Mayor of GMC stated, “We run daily cleanup drives. On December 15, we are discussing our collection methods. NGOs are responsible for picking up garbage in each ward, and if they improperly dispose of waste in open areas, fines will be imposed.”
