Residents of Hatigaon are grappling with deteriorating infrastructure, severe waterlogging, frequent accidents, and rising crime rates, leaving them frustrated and anxious about their safety and daily challenges
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Residents of Hatigaon are struggling with worsening infrastructure and increasing safety concerns. Key areas such as Rajdhani Masjid, Bhetapara, and Arunodoi Path are plagued by problems like non functional streetlights, severe waterlogging, and frequent accidents. These issues have left the residents feeling frustrated and anxious about their safety, as they combat with everyday challenges and a lack of effective solutions.
For the past three months, the streetlights in the area have not been working, making it unsafe for residents to move around after dark.
Talking to GPlus, Runja Sharma, a resident of Hatigaon, expressed her concern, saying, "It's been three months since the streetlights have worked along the stretch from Rajdhani Masjid to Bhetapara. Without proper lighting, we feel unsafe walking around after dark. It's not just an inconvenience, it's a real safety issue."
Shopkeepers in the area have also noticed the issue. A shopkeeper near Arunodoi Path talking to GPlus said, "The streetlights only seem to work during election time, and after that, it's like we're forgotten. Once we close our shops for the night, we have to be extra cautious while heading home in the dark. It's especially difficult for the elderly, who really shouldn't be out after dusk with the streets so poorly lit."
The condition of the bylanes is no better. Many of them are in a poor state, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate. Despite repeated complaints from residents, the situation remains unchanged.
However, talking to GPlus, an official from GUCL offered an explanation for why the streetlights are not working. He said, "We have turned off the streetlight panels because it's monsoon season, and there's a risk of waterlogging. This is a safety measure to prevent any electrical hazards during heavy rains."
On August 5, Hatigaon faced one of the worst flash floods in recent memory, following a heavy downpour. The entire area was submerged, leaving residents stranded and unable to move.
Talking to GPlus, Partha Kalita, a resident of Hatigaon, described the situation: "I was stuck for nearly five hours that day because of the waterlogging. I could not even get back home. It feels like Hatigaon is completely neglected by the authorities. No MLAs or officials ever visit this place to see what we're going through."
The waterlogging issue is not confined to Hatigaon alone. Sijubari, a nearby area, is also facing similar problems. Saqlain Zahan, a resident of Sijubari, expressed his frustration, "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."
Zahan also highlighted the alarming frequency of accidents in the area due to waterlogging. "We see at least 10-20 accidents daily because of waterlogging. It's extremely sad that no authorities visit here. It's like our safety doesn't matter to them."
The situation took a turn for the worse on August 7 when a car accident was reported on Sarudhar Gogoi Path in Hatigaon. The car, unable to judge the lane size due to waterlogging, fell into a drain. An official from Hatigaon police station explained, "The car miscalculated the lane size and fell into a drain."
Residents are also facing severe problems with water entering their homes.
Talking to GPlus, Tarique, a resident of Hatigaon recounted his experience, saying, "I have never had water come into my room before, but this time it was knee-deep. The water stayed in my house for at least two days, and I had to spend hours sweeping it up. My pet is now traumatised because it happens every time it rains."
Adding to the infrastructure issues, Hatigaon is also witnessing a series of unsettling criminal incidents, reflecting broader concerns about safety in the area. Recently, the neighborhood has been marked by both violent and property crimes, exacerbating the residents' sense of insecurity.
On July 13, a businessman was allegedly found murdered at his residence near Duat Bazar on Lachit Borphukan Path.
Earlier in May, a 19-year-old suspect managed to escape from Hatigaon police station but was recaptured just hours later. The suspect, identified as Latif Ali, is linked to a series of robbery cases. An official from the police station stated, "Ali was tracked down and arrested in the Bhetapara area around 1:30 p.m. the same day."
In April, the Hatigaon police apprehended nine individuals in connection with various cyber offenses. The accused were arrested from the Bhetapara locality, and four of them were linked to online gambling activities. A senior official from the cyber crime police station said, "Out of nine, four have been arrested in connection with online gambling. The accused are from West Bengal."
Despite the rise in various crimes in Hatigaon, the area continues to be unsafe. Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Hatigaon police station provided details about the types of crimes occurring in the neighborhood. He explained, "In Hatigaon, thefts and robberies are the most common types of crime we encounter. We take every burglary case seriously and ensure that they are registered as soon as they are reported."
