Years of unchecked pollution have transformed the river into what locals bitterly refer to as an “open sewer”
The once-pristine Bharalu River, flowing near Guwahati's Barsapara stadium, has fallen into such disrepair that it is now a primary breeding ground for diseases. Years of neglect, inconsistent clean-up efforts by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), and the unchecked dumping of non-biodegradable waste have turned this river into a drainage nightmare, magnifying the city’s ongoing public health crisis. Although officials recently announced a clean-up initiative scheduled for December to January, residents and environmental experts are sceptical, citing past delays and the high risk of flash floods during the monsoon season if immediate action is not taken.
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Stretching across several neighbourhoods in the city, the Bharalu was once vital to Guwahati's ecosystem. However, years of unchecked pollution have transformed it into what locals bitterly refer to as an “open sewer.” From discarded plastics and green nets to piles of garbage, the riverbed is buried under layers of waste. Parts of the river have developed a thick, toxic sludge that prevents natural flow, while other sections are blanketed by non-biodegradable debris, floating like reminders of governmental neglect.
“Look at what this river has become – an eyesore and a health hazard,” laments a local resident, who lives near Barsapara. “It’s sad that something that was once essential to this city is now just a dumping ground.”
The deterioration of Bharalu's water quality has not only affected the aesthetics and ecology of the river but has also resulted in a severe mosquito infestation. This has contributed to a recent surge in mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly dengue, which is already at alarming levels in various parts of Guwahati. Many areas around Bharalu and neighbouring localities have been marked as red zones for their heightened vulnerability to dengue outbreaks. According to public health officials, the situation is critical, and much of it could be attributed to the unhygienic condition of the city.
Residents who live along the riverbank have pointed to an unfortunate reality: much of the trash is not from those who reside nearby but rather from commuters passing through. Car occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians have been seen carelessly tossing packaged waste into the river. Without adequate fines, guard walls, or preventive measures, this has become an ingrained habit that further clogs the river and increases the decay.
“I’ve seen people in vehicles throw bags of garbage right into the river as if it’s just another roadside bin. And yet, there’s no one around to hold them accountable,” says a frustrated local. “What’s worse is that we, the residents, end up paying the price in terms of disease outbreaks and the stink that surrounds us.”
While the GMC has periodically announced initiatives to clear the waste, residents report that these efforts are inconsistent and insufficient. Some clean-up drives have been carried out, but the sheer volume of waste soon returns, piling up due to lack of routine maintenance and enforcement.
“It feels like a ticking time bomb – they come, clean a bit, take pictures for the newspapers, and then leave it to deteriorate all over again,” shares a long-time resident of the area.The GMC has issued yet another commitment to tackle the problem, with an official recently stating that the river will be cleared “by December-January.” This statement has left residents sceptical, however, as many recall similar promises made in the past without noticeable action. With monsoon rains typically arriving in April, many fear that if clean-up is delayed until early next year, there may not be enough time to prepare the river for the heavy rains, risking flash floods.
The timing of clean-up activities is a contentious issue, as the river’s clogged state has repeatedly caused urban flooding in recent years. During the monsoon season, water has no escape path due to the accumulated waste, leading to flash floods that affect thousands of residents. In April 2024, following another year of missed deadlines, the city experienced severe flooding that was, in part, attributed to the neglected condition of Bharalu and other water bodies.
Local healthcare professionals are also voicing concerns about the impact of the river’s state on public health. “Dengue cases are spiking, and unless we tackle the root causes – like stagnant water in Bharalu – these cases will only multiply,” warns a doctor at a local hospital. Mosquito breeding is rampant in the blocked, polluted sections of the river, creating ideal conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitoes to thrive.
The GMC’s sluggish approach has contributed to a broader public health problem. It’s not just about dengue; other mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, are also becoming increasingly common, especially during the warmer months. Environmentalists and public health advocates have raised repeated warnings that unless Bharalu is treated as an urgent health hazard, the entire city could face an unprecedented health crisis.
Frustrated residents have voiced their anger over the lack of accountability and transparency from the GMC. In their view, the city’s civic body seems to function only in reactionary mode, tackling problems only after they escalate into public outcry or reach the media’s attention. For many, this latest announcement feels more like an empty promise rather than a step towards real change.
“If they don’t clear the river now, then what’s the point of announcing these deadlines?” asks a resident. “Every time, it’s the same story. We don’t need just one clean-up; we need a system that prevents this garbage from building up in the first place.”
Several residents are calling for more stringent anti-littering policies, regularised clean-up schedules, and infrastructure that discourages public dumping. “If there were proper fines, CCTV cameras, and a physical barrier along the river, maybe people would think twice before dumping garbage,” suggests another resident, frustrated by the absence of meaningful preventive measures.
Environmentalists argue that the GMC must adopt a holistic approach, combining immediate clean-up efforts with long-term infrastructure investments. Some have suggested setting up a waste management system that actively involves the community, educating residents and providing alternative waste disposal options. Another recommendation is the construction of a permanent guard wall along vulnerable sections of the river to deter littering.
“Sustainable urban planning includes making rivers part of the solution, not ignoring them into oblivion,” explains an environmental activist. “Other cities across India have demonstrated that it’s possible to revive dying rivers through targeted investments and community engagement. Guwahati should learn from these examples.”
With the monsoon season just months away, Guwahati’s policymakers must recognise that delayed action could mean devastating consequences. Flash floods, driven in part by clogged waterways like the Bharalu, have already led to huge damages across Guwahati over recent years. Without significant changes in the way the city’s water bodies are maintained, these incidents are likely to recur, creating an escalating cycle of damage, expense, and health risk.
If the GMC fails to act decisively now, it is likely to face not only public anger but also economic setbacks, as flooding tends to disrupt businesses, increase healthcare costs, and dampen tourism in the city. With Bharalu’s condition worsening by the day, many residents are now losing hope that the city will ever prioritise its environmental health.
For Guwahati, the Bharalu River’s deterioration should serve as a wake-up call. Residents, health experts, and environmentalists agree that mere promises from the GMC are no longer enough. The city needs a well-funded, well-coordinated response that addresses the root of the problem and keeps rivers clean throughout the year, not just in reaction to crises. Without action, the water body that once supported life in the city will remain a breeding ground for disease and a symbol of civic neglect.
As the deadline of December-January approaches, all eyes will be on the GMC to see if they will deliver on their promise – or if the Bharalu, along with Guwahati’s health, will continue to suffer.