The tragic death of eight-year-old Avinash Sarkar in an open drain has exposed Jyotinagar’s long-standing issues, from inadequate street lighting to dangerous roads, demanding urgent action
The tragic incident of an eight-year-old boy being swept away by an open drain has brought to light numerous underlying problems that the residents of Guwahati’s Jyotinagar, a sub-locality in Bamunimaidam, have been facing for years.
The residents have been living with these problems for years, but this recent incident has brought their frustrations to a boiling point.
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Apart from struggling with inadequate infrastructure, notably the absence of functional streetlights for instance, there are many issues that have been highlighted by the residents, now that the area has come into the forefront. This issue has compounded their daily struggles, especially for the elderly who traverse these poorly lit roads regularly.
Not only streetlights, but navigating these damaged roads becomes a daily ordeal for the residents, with large potholes and uneven surfaces making travel both difficult and dangerous. Drivers and riders often struggle to maintain control of their vehicles, leading to a higher risk of accidents. For pedestrians, the situation is equally hazardous, as they have to carefully avoid tripping and falling on the broken pavement. During the rainy season, the roads become waterlogged, further complicating travel and increasing the chances of accidents and injuries. These conditions not only affect daily commutes but also contribute to the overall decline in the quality of life for the residents of Jyotinagar.
Talking to GPlus, a resident in Jyotinagar said, “The absence of streetlights poses difficulties not just for us but for elderly people who commute this road every day. Besides that, the drain is open and the road is in horrible condition, which led to the shocking incident involving the eight-year-old boy. No one takes responsibility for this.”
Talking to GPlus, Pratyashi Goswami, another resident in Jyotinagar said, "It is very dangerous on this road at night. Since my working hours are late, I feel unsafe riding my scooter because there are no streetlights, and the road is in horrible condition. I always ride with caution."
Navigating poorly lit roads is a daily struggle, leading to a heightened sense of insecurity and fear. Without adequate lighting, the risk of accidents increases, and pedestrians are more vulnerable to potential mishaps. This is particularly concerning for women and elderly residents who feel unsafe walking or traveling alone at night. The absence of streetlights not only hampers visibility but also exacerbates the already poor condition of the roads, making it difficult for drivers and riders to avoid potholes and other hazards.
The situation is no better for local shopkeepers. Talking to GPlus, a shopkeeper near Guwahati College shared his woes, “The streetlights haven’t worked for three years. By the time we close our shops, navigating this road becomes extremely difficult, especially on rainy days when the road gets waterlogged. The tragic incident with the boy who lost his life should have been a wake-up call for the authorities.”
Long-time residents of the area have been vocal about the need for improved civic administration. One resident, who has lived in Jyotinagar for over 30 years, emphasised the need for better monitoring and maintenance. “The civic administration should improve monitoring of this road, repair the defunct streetlights, and cover the open drain to ensure immediate repairs and avoid future mishaps.”
He recounted a previous incident to highlight the persistent dangers, saying, “Some years back, four girls fell into this drain in a car but thankfully they were saved. Apart from the open drain, the road is in poor condition without streetlights.”
The recent incident involving eight-year-old Avinash Sarkar has left the community heartbroken and angry. His mother, Krishnamoni Sarkar, recounted the harrowing events of that night, “He had gone to the market with me, and we first stopped by my husband’s garage where my nephew was also present. He said he would come home with his father, so I left him there. But he never came back. Why didn’t he come home? How did he fall into the drain in front of everyone? I am still hoping he will come back. Whenever I close my eyes, I see him.”
Krishnamoni Sarkar, despite her grief, is leading the charge for change. “I don’t want any other mother to go through what I am going through. We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We need to be vigilant and make our area safe for everyone.”
Horenlal Sarkar, Avinash’s father, believes that this tragedy could have been prevented with basic safety measures. “If the drain had been covered, my child would have been safe,” he lamented.
A relative, Amarjit, echoed these sentiments, “If railings had been constructed beside the drain, maybe he would not have slipped and fallen into the drain.”
In response to the tragedy, senior officials have acknowledged the issues but offered explanations and future promises. A senior PWD official commented, “In Guwahati, about 70% of the drains are already covered. Some drains remain uncovered due to ongoing desiltation work, and it’s not possible to cover all the drains in the city at once. Additionally, some are still under construction. If the government proposes to cover or guard the drains with railings, we are ready to take immediate action on it.”
"And the road will be constructed soon. Since it is monsoon season, the road gets damaged repeatedly.", he added.
Addressing the issue of defunct streetlights, talking to GPlus, an official from Guwahati Utilities Company Limited said, “Installing of streetlights was under a different jurisdiction earlier. If it is not installed in Jyotinagar, we will look into this matter and will send a team immediately.”
The incident in Jyotinagar is a reminder of the critical need for better urban infrastructure and maintenance. It underscores the importance of responsive and responsible governance that prioritises the safety and well-being of its citizens.
As the residents of Jyotinagar rally for change, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively the authorities will respond to their demands.
