Despite the Guwahati Municipal Corporation's (GMC) commitment to establishing a "model ward," certain areas of Guwahati continue to grapple with severe infrastructure challenges. Locals residing in these poorly maintained sections have raised their concerns with the relevant authorities, expressing disappointment at the lack of tangible improvements despite their efforts.
The chaotic conditions of the lanes have been a constant source of distress for the residents, disrupting daily life and safety in the affected areas. Despite the community voicing their concerns to the appropriate authorities, it seems that the promised transformation into a "model ward" has yet to materialise.
GMC’s Model Ward number 48 still remains in neglect. Due to this, the people of Rukminigaon (Ward 48) have been forced to live in extremely dangerous circumstances, and this is starting to become a major point of discontent.
There is no room for commuters on the unstable path, which is made up only of stones and mud, and the absence of pathways endangers the lives of those who live there.
In 2022, after a nine-year gap, the GMC elections in Guwahati raised hopes for many residents, promising solutions to longstanding lane problems. However, despite the initiation of full-scale work, concerns are growing due to the sluggish pace of lane repairs.
Madhumita Chetia, residing on SK Boruah Road, expressed her concerns about the absence of streetlights in the area for nearly two years, leading to a surge in mobile and chain-snatching incidents.
"At least one or two cases occur every week, and just last week, there was a chain-snatching incident", Chetia told GPlus.
In response to these issues, Mayor Mrigen Sarania talking to GPlus said that the Guwahati Utilities Company Limited is actively working to address these issues. We are actively working on the issues raised, taking a step-by-step approach to ensure timely completion. I understand that many lanes still have half-constructed roads, and I acknowledge the importance of resolving this matter. Rukminigaon Ward is working on a ₹47 crore project."
However, Chetia highlighted that many lanes still have half-constructed roads.
Shopkeepers in Rukminigaon pointed out the persistent problem of overflowing drains, posing risks to pedestrians, especially schoolchildren.
Chetia further added, "During heavy rainfall, the situation worsens as water enters our shop, and we have complained about this multiple times"
Naresh Bhagat, a Jyotikuchi resident, expressed frustration with the irregular garbage collection by GMC.
"I have stopped waiting for the garbage collector. I collect and throw it in Lal Ganesh. GMC's garbage collection is irresponsible."
Another resident of Nabin Nagar, Arkadeep Goswami talking to GPlus said, "The garbage collection is irregular in our area" reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among residents.
The government's initiative to enhance the Guwahati Municipal Corporation's (GMC) waste management system took a step forward as the government marketplace (GeM) platform concluded the tendering process for procuring new garbage collection vehicles. Approximately ₹7 crore has been allocated to cover expenses related to vehicle maintenance, repairs, and the establishment of charging stations. The project has been outsourced to a private party, responsible for maintaining the fleet for the next five years.
Addressing concerns surrounding the current waste collection system, a senior Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) official, in conversation with GPlus, acknowledged challenges. He noted, "Since garbage collection is free of cost, many NGOs are dissatisfied with the system, leading them to refrain from door-to-door collection. We have received several complaints." To overcome these challenges, he outlined the GMC's considerations, stating, "The GMC is exploring alternatives, such as implementing a tendering process or allocating a percentage from property taxes to compensate waste collectors. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a call centre, enhancing communication with households and ensuring improved feedback and engagement in the waste management process." This proactive approach underscores the commitment to refining the waste management system for the benefit of the community.
