The Sijubari area of Guwahati has long been plagued by severe waterlogging, causing not only daily traffic snarls but also posing significant health and safety risks. Residents report frequent accidents, vehicle damage, and hazardous conditions, yet their pleas for improvement have largely been ignored by the authorities.
Talking to GPlus, Saqlain Zahan, a resident of Sijubari said, "The Sijubari area has been ignored for years. Every time we ask when the road will be fixed, the authorities always say they are working on it. But nothing changes. The waterlogging issue is not just an inconvenience, it's a major safety hazard."
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The situation in Sijubari is dire. Waterlogged roads lead to a host of problems, from traffic jams to increased risk of accidents. "The major issue is the never-ending waterlogging. We witness accidents every day, from kids to school students to senior citizens. It’s a daily occurrence," Zahan added.
According to Zahan, the frequency of accidents is alarming. "We see at least 10-20 accidents daily because of waterlogging. It's extremely sad that the authorities don’t visit here. It's like our safety doesn't matter to them." Most of these accidents go unreported.
Another resident talking to GPlus highlighted the issue of blocked drains. "Drains are blocked, and no one comes to clear them. This creates waterlogging, which leads to accidents. Our ward councillor doesn't even bother to look into this matter nowadays," the resident said.
The blocked drains and uncollected garbage exacerbate the problem, creating a flood-like situation even after moderate rain.
Talking to GPlus, an official from GMC said, "We try to clear the drains every day, but many residents throw plastic waste into them, which causes waterlogging."
The inability of water to flow freely due to clogged drains turns streets into hazardous zones, making it dangerous for everyone, especially during emergencies.
Talking to GPlus, an official from the old age home in Sijubari said, "There are almost 65 senior citizens in this old age home. Because of the pathetic road condition, communication is challenging, especially for medical and emergency purposes."
Despite these severe conditions, the local authorities’ response has been insufficient.
However, talking to GPlus, Masuma Begum, the ward councillor said, "The road is under construction and the Public Works Department (PWD) is working on it."