Guwahati: Electorate of Jalukbari Constituency Content with Incumbent MLA

Although the citizens are happy with the efficiency with which Himanta Biswa Sarma has resolved the civic issues, they urge him to look into certain major concerns that remain unnoticed. 
 

GUWAHATI: Jalukbari Vidhan Sabha Constituency is the most developed constituency of the Kamrup district, as well as amongst all the 126 constituencies of the state. And this is not our claim. Such statements have been heard when G Plus was taking stock of the progress of the Jalukbari constituency in the last five years, ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections of 2021.


As the state gears up for the polls, thousands of political aspirants have submitted their candidature for tickets to contest the election. While the vigour of the parties’ campaigns is at an all time high, the electorates are equally enthusiastic about raising their issues and concerns. G Plus, as the city’s foremost media network, took upon itself to profile the four constituencies of Kamrup district and their incumbent legislators. 


While the citizens of the other three constituencies, namely the West Gauhati, East Gauhati and Dispur have raised various pertinent civic issues that have remained unresolved over the last five years, the electorate of Jalukbari were found to be the most content. 


State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been the incumbent MLA of Jalukbari for the last four terms. He remains undefeated ever since 2001 followed by 2006, 2011 and 2016. While the previous three years Sarma had contested from the Indian National Congress, he migrated to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the last assembly elections.


A senior resident of Pandu said, “It does not matter which party Himanta Biswa is contesting from. We support him for all his hard work and dedication. Unlike other MLAs he is never aloof and has stood with us during tough times.”


“It’s not just about the tenure of the BJP government, development is a continuous process. Five years is very less for many projects. The Jalukbari constituency has been gradually developed since the last twenty years and our votes have never gone in vain. Sarma has constructed every road under his jurisdiction, even the narrow lanes, that too with proper drainage and all. We regularly find him amidst us, taking note of our grievances. I don’t think we have the regular civic issues that others face. If there is, it is minimal and we believe will be resolved soon,” said another resident of Adabari.


The electorate generously applauds the various works undertaken for the upliftment of the constituency. Among these is the development of the Kamakhya Develaya into a major religious and tourist spot with well thought out facilities for the devotees. The annual Ambubachi Mela is now a mega revenue earner for the state. With the construction of various industrial estates at Amingaon and North Guwahati and the two bridges, the new Saraighat Bridge and the upcoming Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge, Guwahati will soon be a twin-city.


Amongst all good, concerned citizens of the constituency have also highlighted certain major issues that have remained unresolved over the years. A common grievance was the follow-up work of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) after construction of drains and sewerages.


Dr. Subrata Dhar of Pandu said, “The MLA did make drains on all roads and lanes with proper coverings, but these are not cleaned regularly. We urge him to guide the GMC to maintain these. Otherwise what’s the use of spending so much money if we are to have flash flood again with just a small shower of rain?”


“Although going at a snail’s pace, the water supply project is currently under way and lines are being connected. And after the first phase commissioning of the water supply at Jalukbari a few months back, we are hopeful that we will also get its soon. Apart from the civic issues, as an old resident by the riverside, I would like to point out that there were many ferry services on the Brahmaputra connecting Pandu to North Guwahati. But these were discontinued. We feel that if these boat services are resumed it will be very beneficial not just for regular commute but also for tourism,” added Dr. Dhar.


Residents of the Jalukbari point have been highlighting the problem of encroachment in the wetlands. Like in most parts of the city, slums have mushroomed in many parts of the constituency - a big one between the Jalukbari flyover and the railway line. The ever enlarging slum has gulped down wetland areas, and apart from being an eyesore right at the entry point of the metropolis, it is also endangering a very strategic area of Guwahati. However, the legislator and the government have failed to pay any heed to the issue.


Padma Shri Ajoy Kumar Dutta, working president of the NGO Save Guwahati Build Guwahati (SGBG), has raised a thought-provoking concern of North Guwahati. Dutta said, “I am not against development and industrialization. But an LPG bottling plant near a major institution - the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is definitely a matter of concern. Also there are the residents of the area. God forbid but if a major accident occurs, has the government thought of the consequences?”


“Again the MLA has failed to notice that the workers, especially the truck drivers of these industrial estates, are causing nuisance in the neighbourhood. There had been many instances of eve-teasing, thefts and other petty crimes. Sarma should take the necessary steps to safeguard the people. Sufficient police personnel and security should be deployed and streetlights installed so that the residents feel safe,” Dutta added.


Lastly, G Plus was made aware of the grievances of the local silk weavers of Sualkuchi. Artisans expressed disappointment at the fact that nothing has been done for the paat-muga industry that could have been the biggest revenue earner for Assam. They claim micro steps have been taken by the government which are not sufficient. Rather than growing, in the last few years many weavers and artisans have left the traditional industry and taken resort in other jobs, mostly as construction labourers and security guards in private organisations. The government’s failure in preventing the import of duplicated mekhela-chador and gamosas from other states have added to their losses. 


A weaver said, “The BJP government inaugurated an engineering college at Sualkuchi. We are not against it, but don’t you think a weavers’ institute, teaching the latest technology and providing regular training would have been more appropriate and beneficial? Nobody understands and loves this craft as much as we do, so such an institute is most important here.”


“The locals do not have the means to learn new technology and upgrade the traditional means keeping the authenticity of the products. Government intervention is urgently required if we are to sustain. The Yarn Banks that were set up are very helpful but not sufficient for the industry’s survival. Also Sualkuchi needs some development in the hospitality sector with resorts and hotels. Many tourists visit us for a first-hand experience, both from within the state and across India. We also get international tourists regularly. But the lack of proper places to stay and enjoy is a major hindrance. Steps should be taken to develop this area as a tourist hub,” another local said.


With the electorate of Jalukbari constituency more than content with their incumbent MLA, they are hopeful that the remaining issues will be gradually resolved in the coming years. But citizens have also pointed out that the legislator and the government need to have more foresight and future planning before undertaking mega projects with the citizens’ money. The necessity to demolish the Maligoan foot over-bridge, the most extensively used one in Guwahati to make way  for the upcoming 4-lane Kamakhya flyover hints at lack of proper planning. The foot over-bridge was renovated just two years ago, in 2018, with the addition of two lifts at both ends of the footbridge for the convenience of senior citizens and the physically challenged of the city. Now the bridge remains unmaintained awaiting demolition.