Encompassing diverse neighbourhoods like Gotanagar, Boragaon, Nijarapar, Madhabdeb Nagar, and Gaushala, Ward Number 10 is a representation of Guwahati's growing urban sprawl. With a population of approximately 22,000 and a voter base of nearly 14,000, this ward is marked by hilly terrains, struggling infrastructure, and pressing social concerns.
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While development in certain areas has shown promise, challenges such as incomplete water supply, poor illumination, encroachment, and rising crime have highlighted the need for urgent intervention. The councillor, Kalpana Das, has brought to light several critical issues, urging authorities to act swiftly.
Water scarcity has been a persistent problem in Ward 10. While the residents await relief, the water supply project is yet to be functional. Das estimates it will take another one to two months before the system is operational. "The work is progressing, but it’s not there yet," she said. Residents, especially in the hilly areas, continue to rely on private water tankers, which adds to their financial burden.
The hilly terrain of Ward 10 has posed significant challenges in ensuring proper illumination. Most areas, especially those in the hills, remain poorly lit, leaving residents vulnerable during the night. "The geographical challenges make it difficult to install streetlights in certain parts," Das admitted. The lack of adequate lighting has compounded safety concerns.
Road construction in the ward is a mixed bag. While several roads have been completed, others remain in various stages of development. However, the councillor highlighted an unusual hurdle: resistance from residents. "Many people are reluctant to part with their land for road development. This leads to delays or incomplete projects," she explained.
The partially-constructed roads not only hinder connectivity, but also increase problems during the monsoon season, with waterlogging becoming a recurring issue in low-lying areas of Gotanagar and Gaushala.
Despite these challenges, accessibility and connectivity within the ward have largely been managed by private public services. Autorickshaws and private passenger carriers have filled the gap left by the authorities, ensuring that residents can commute without significant difficulty.
In terms of healthcare, Ward 10 has a few sub-centres catering to basic medical needs. However, these facilities are limited and often lack advanced equipment or specialised personnel, leaving residents dependent on city hospitals for serious health concerns.
The recent gang-rape incident near the Durga Mandir hill in Nijarapar shocked the community. The remote and secluded nature of the hill, coupled with its easy accessibility from multiple sides, has made it a hotspot for immoral activities.
"The police conduct patrolling, but given the size and remoteness of the area, it’s not feasible to monitor all the time," Das said. In the wake of the incident, authorities have promised stricter surveillance, but residents remain sceptical about its implementation.
Speaking to GPlus, a local resident shared their fears: "The hills are not safe, especially after dark. We need better lighting and consistent police presence."
Perhaps the most pressing issue in Ward 10 is the rapid encroachment of the hills, particularly by minority communities, as noted by Das. "Encroachment by the minority has been rising towards the hillside. They can manage to stay anywhere, and now they have reached the hills too," she remarked, adding that some portions of the hills fall under the reserve forest, making the situation more precarious.
Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the ecological impact of such encroachments. The deforestation caused by illegal settlements could destabilise the hills, increasing the risk of landslides and further straining the limited resources in the area.
Das has called for immediate action from the authorities, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the reserve forest and maintaining ecological balance. However, the absence of a concrete plan or timeline for addressing the issue has left many residents frustrated.
The residents of Ward 10 have expressed a mix of frustration and hope. While they acknowledge the efforts of the councillor, they believe that more needs to be done.
"We’ve been hearing about development plans for years, but on the ground, progress is slow. The water supply project is taking forever, and the roads are still incomplete," said another resident from Boragaon.
On the other hand, some remain optimistic about the ongoing efforts. "At least there’s some work happening. It’s better than nothing," a shopkeeper from Gotanagar noted.
The challenges faced by Ward 10 underscore the complexities of managing urban development in a geographically diverse area. While progress has been made in certain aspects, critical issues such as safety, encroachment, and infrastructure gaps require immediate attention.
The councillor’s call for action is a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts and accountability from higher authorities will be key to bringing lasting change to the ward. As Das herself put it, "Ward 10 has potential, but we need collective effort to realise it fully."
For the residents of Ward 10, the hope for a better future remains alive, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges that demand urgent and effective solutions.
