While authorities may point to improvements in air quality at a macro level, these statistics often fail to capture the experiences of people on the ground
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Dust hangs heavy in the air over Guwahati as rampant large-scale construction work churns the soil sending up the fine particles; every passing vehicle stirs up more dust, making it difficult to see even a few meters ahead. Commuters rush by, covering their faces with scarves and masks, trying in vain to block the dust from entering inside and blocking the air sacs. Unhindered it floats before settling down on every conceivable thing. The intermittent sound of coughing tells of people’s struggle to breathe. It is clear that the dust pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a daily health hazard, and the authorities’ efforts to control it seem far from adequate.
With Durga Puja fast approaching, Guwahati is engulfed in dust, as pollution levels soar, making the air thick and everyday life increasingly difficult for residents. As the city prepares for festivities, the accompanying construction and road repair work have led to a massive spike in dust levels, raising concerns about the health and well-being of residents. Despite the city's growing battle with pollution, many argue that the authorities have failed to enforce crucial guidelines of the Pollution Control Board (PCB), leaving the public to bear the brunt.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has employed water sprinklers in some parts of the city in an attempt to curb the dust. However, residents in several areas claim that these efforts are far from sufficient. Streets in places like Rajgarh, Chandmari, Geetangar, Athlon, Barsapara are covered in thick layers of dust, affecting commuters, shopkeepers, and pedestrians alike. The air is thick, the roads uneven, and the lack of consistent dust suppression measures is evident.
Residents and daily commuters, exasperated by the situation, are raising their voices. Many have shared their grievances, accusing the authorities of not adhering to the guidelines laid down by the Pollution Control Board to control dust pollution, especially during construction activities.
Talking to GPlus, a daily commuter from the Rajgarh area said, "It's very difficult. I have to bring my son every day through these roads. The dust apart, the condition of the roads is so bad that I have developed pain. I don't understand what this government is doing. We are harassed."
The issue is not limited to a single demographic. Another commuter, also from Rajgarh, echoed similar concerns: "All of us are suffering from the dust pollution—whether it’s children or senior citizens. The dust particles go inside and block our airways. Many are suffering from respiratory tract problems."
Even shopkeepers, who spend long hours exposed to the dusty environment, are feeling the effects. One shopkeeper in Rajgarh shared, "We have to use masks while we work here. The dust makes it impossible to breathe. It's a huge problem, and nothing is being done to address it."
A rickshaw puller added, "The dust gets into our nose and mouth, making it difficult to work. On top of that, the road condition is horrible. We are suffering every day."
The desperation among the people is palpable, and they are calling for immediate action. Another shopkeeper from Rajgarh pointed out, "I can't stay in my shop. It would be helpful if the administration took steps to sprinkle water on this road. Otherwise, we might get sick."
The city’s burgeoning dust pollution is affecting daily life to such an extent that people are finding it hard to conduct their usual activities. Yet, the dust remains untreated in several areas, exacerbating the situation.
However, the GMC, on its part, claims to be doing its best. A GMC official, while speaking to GPlus, said, "We are using water sprinklers in most parts of the city. We respond and sprinkle water whenever someone reaches out to us, based on the need." However, it’s evident that this sporadic response is insufficient. Many parts of the city, particularly residential and market areas, remain heavily polluted, with no signs of intervention.
Some residents are also pointing fingers at the ongoing road work by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which they claim has worsened the situation. A shop owner noted, "JICA has been working on this road for a week, and the government should monitor their work closely. They should have taken precautions, but they have ignored them."
The shop owner further criticised the lack of accountability, "We have called the authorities multiple times, but there’s been no response. Last night, they dug up the road, causing stone dust to spread everywhere without using even a drop of water."
He raised a pertinent question, "How are we supposed to survive in such conditions? Is the Pollution Control Board just a white elephant? They should be checking the air quality in Rajgarh. Why can’t they be more transparent? They should be displaying the air quality levels here. Sitting in air-conditioned offices, they don’t face what we do. We are just common people, and they are leaving us to suffer."
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Pollution Control Board admitted that contractors often ignore the guidelines set for construction activities. “There are various factors contributing to dust pollution in the city. One major factor is construction work. There are guidelines in place, but many contractors do not follow them. Every work order comes with instructions to take precautions, but these are rarely enforced.”
The official also revealed that district-level meetings are held where multiple departments, including eight key government agencies, discuss the importance of enforcing precautionary measures. However, these discussions seem to have little effect on the ground.
Regarding the current air quality in Guwahati, the official noted that it has improved compared to last year. “The air quality level is moderate now, which is better than it was last year,” he said. But for the people enduring the dust, these assurances offer little comfort.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has long-established guidelines aimed at controlling dust pollution during construction activities. These include using water sprinklers to suppress dust, covering materials to prevent them from being blown into the air, and properly disposing of waste materials to avoid dust particles from spreading. The CPCB also has an Air Quality Monitoring Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that involves methods for measuring air quality, including physical, chemical, and online techniques.
However, these guidelines are only as effective as their enforcement.
The senior official talking to GPlus added, "The Urban Local Body (ULB) is supposed to ensure that contractors and construction workers follow these procedures."
Yet, as residents’ testimonies reveal, enforcement is far from consistent. The recurring theme across the city is that contractors neglect to follow the rules, and authorities fail to hold them accountable.
Dust pollution is not just a matter of inconvenience—it has severe health implications, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Dust particles, especially the fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to such particles can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and a decrease in lung function. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable.
The rising dust pollution in Guwahati reflects a broader issue of environmental mismanagement. The city’s rapid urbanisation, coupled with poor enforcement of environmental regulations, has created a situation where residents are left to fend for themselves. While authorities may point to improvements in air quality at a macro level, these statistics often fail to capture the lived experiences of people on the ground.