Focus Area: Rukminigaon, Supermarket, Wireless
Ward No: 48
Population: 17,000–18,000
Voters: 12,500
Ward Councillor: Dulumoni Kakati
Promises of turning Ward 48 into a “model ward” by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) remain unfulfilled as Rukminigaon, Supermarket, and Wireless continue to suffer from serious infrastructural shortcomings. Chronic waterlogging, clogged drains, and ongoing construction projects have left the residents struggling with daily challenges, sparking frustration and repeated complaints.
Waterlogging in Rukminigaon is a recurring nightmare for residents, especially during monsoon. Poor drainage systems and the linking of Beltola’s Wireless drains to Rukminigaon’s already overburdened network have exacerbated the situation.
“Waterlogging here is infamous,” said Ranjan Kalita, a long-time resident. “The situation has worsened ever since they connected the drains from Beltola’s Wireless area to ours. Earlier, they attempted to construct a sluice gate to manage the flow, but when they realised the water level exceeded the gate’s capacity, they abandoned the project and built a wall instead. The water now has nowhere to go, leaving us to deal with severe flooding.”
Kalita added that the flooding affects not only homes but also streets, making them inaccessible for long periods. “It’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, and navigating flooded streets is risky,” he explained.
Another 20-year resident of the area pointed out how construction debris has clogged the drains. “For years, construction materials were dumped into the drains. We repeatedly requested the engineers to clear them, but they ignored us. It was only after videos of the debris went viral that they started cleaning. Even now, I believe some debris remains, as the flooding hasn’t reduced,” she said.
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Another major issue plaguing the ward is inadequate streetlighting. While some areas received new streetlights after repeated complaints, many streets remain poorly lit, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk.
“There were no streetlights in many parts of Rukminigaon until a few weeks ago,” Kalita stated. “We had to constantly follow up with the authorities to get a few installed, but even now, large portions of the ward remain in darkness. It’s unsafe, especially for women and children returning home late in the evening.”
Despite the government’s much-touted “Mission Flood-Free Guwahati,” Ward 48 continues to face waterlogging and drainage issues. The integration of Wireless drains with Rukminigaon’s drainage system has only worsened the situation, turning the mission into a distant dream for the area’s residents.
The poorly executed flyover constructions in and around Rukminigaon has added to the woes. Elevated roads constructed as part of the Downtown flyover project have made low-lying areas more prone to flooding. “The elevation of the main road has turned our area into a water basin,” a shopkeeper in the area told GPlus. “The water has nowhere to drain, and it accumulates in our locality, making our lives miserable.”
The ongoing flyover construction in Rukminigaon has brought its own set of problems for residents, commuters, and business owners. While the project aims to reduce traffic congestion in the long term, its current impact has been nothing short of disruptive.
Without a temporary passage, commuters are forced to take detours via the Six Mile flyover or the Supermarket route, increasing travel time and causing severe traffic congestion.
“Our lives have been turned upside down,” said a shopkeeper whose business is situated near the construction site. “The barricades erected for the construction have blocked access to my shop. Customers from the other side of the road can no longer reach us. As a result, my sales have dropped drastically. I have had to lay off some staff, and paying rent has become a huge challenge.”
Another resident in the area expressed frustration over the lack of planning in such projects. “The authorities should have ensured a smooth flow of traffic and access to shops before starting the construction. Instead, they’ve left us to deal with the chaos,” he said.
“We have been running this shop for years, but the last few months have been the toughest,” said a shopkeeper. “The construction has not only reduced footfall but also made our locality unattractive to customers. If this continues, many of us will be forced to shut down.”
Rickshaw pullers and small vendors also shared similar concerns. “The flooding and blocked roads have driven customers away. It is hard enough to make a living as it is, and now this,” a vegetable vendor said.
When asked about the absence of a temporary passage, a Public Works Department (PWD) official explained, “Creating a passage is not feasible at this stage of construction. It could lead to accidents or risks from falling materials. We understand the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses, but safety has to be our priority.”
Dulumoni Kakati, the councillor of Ward 48, defended the efforts made by her team to address the ward’s issues.
“Yes, there are challenges, but we are doing our best to resolve them,” Kakati said. “People often complain but forget that they too are responsible for some of these problems. For instance, clogged drains are largely due to residents throwing garbage into them. Our minister, Ashok Singhal, is personally monitoring the situation in Rukminigaon, and we are working tirelessly to address the issues.”
While Kakati’s statement reflects her commitment, residents argue that the authorities’ efforts have been insufficient and poorly executed.
“There’s a lot of blame-shifting, but no real solutions,” said a frustrated resident of Rukminigaon. “We need action, not excuses.”
Ward 48, encompassing Rukminigaon, Supermarket, and Wireless, showcases the challenges of urban development in Guwahati. While the GMC’s vision of a "model ward" remains distant, residents continue to combat everyday struggles stemming from inadequate infrastructure, poor planning, and insufficient maintenance.
