GUWAHATI: Days after Chhath Puja festivities wrapped up, Lachit Ghat remains littered with debris, leaving locals frustrated and pointing fingers at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) for neglecting basic sanitation at one of the city’s key riverfront areas. Despite hosting large numbers of devotees and serving as a cultural hotspot, Lachit Ghat continues to struggle with post-event clean-up, raising questions about the GMC’s effectiveness in maintaining the city’s public spaces.
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Residents and daily commuters who pass by the area have voiced concerns about the state of cleanliness at Lachit Ghat.
Ranjita Das, a daily commuter talking to GPlus said, “What is the government doing to keep these ghats clean? They allow religious events here, but once the celebrations are over, they do not follow through with cleaning efforts. It is as if they have just turned their backs on us.”
Such sentiments have grown louder in recent months, as residents have observed that cleanliness at the ghats is rarely prioritised by the municipal authorities. The build-up of garbage, decaying offerings, and remnants from celebrations remains unattended for days or even weeks, despite repeated complaints from citizens.
Talking to GPlus, Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Fancy Bazaar said, “When tourists visit these spots, what are they supposed to think? The area around Bharalumukh is already covered with green nets, supposedly to combat mosquitoes, but it only hides the real mess. Now with Lachit Ghat left in such a state, it is shameful. GMC talks about upgrading our riverfront and opening new river terminals, yet they can’t keep the existing areas clean. It is really frustrating that taxpayer money is used, but nothing meaningful is done.”
However, talking to GPlus, a senior GMC official claimed that the ghats were cleaned thoroughly before the Chhath Puja celebrations. “We made sure the area was clean and well-prepared for devotees,”
He further added, “But once the puja was over, the devotees left a significant amount of waste behind. They must also take responsibility. It is not only the duty of the GMC to keep these places clean; devotees should respect the space and ensure they do not leave it in disarray.”
