Situated near Dispur, Ward Number 50 is an area of urban aspirations and civic challenges. Represented by Councillor Utpal Mahanta and housing an estimated population of 25,000 with around 15,000 registered voters, this ward is defined by a mixed trajectory of infrastructural strides and persistent public concerns—most notably, the rising issue of substance abuse and a much-criticised garbage transfer station in Nursery.
| Ward Number: | 50 |
| Ward Councillor: | Utpal Mahanta |
| Voters: |
15,000 approx |
| Population: | 25,000 approx |
| Concentrated areas: |
Sundarpur, Manik Nagar, Shree Nagar, Nayanpur, Nursery |
The ward includes concentrated localities such as Sundarpur, Manik Nagar, Shree Nagar, Nayanpur, and Nursery—each reflecting the complexities of a rapidly growing urban neighbourhood. While around 90 percent of the ward’s road works are reportedly complete, and connections from the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) have brought piped water to many homes, a closer look reveals significant gaps that continue to plague daily life for residents.
Despite steady road development, public safety after dark remains a matter of concern. Only about 50 percent of the ward’s streets are equipped with functional streetlights, according to estimates shared by local residents. Many inner lanes in Shree Nagar and Manik Nagar remain poorly lit, creating opportunities for antisocial behaviour and compromising the security of pedestrians and elderly residents.
“It’s very dark once the sun sets. You cannot allow your children to play or even go out to buy something from the shop. It feels unsafe,” said a resident of Nayanpur who wished to remain anonymous. Several residents expressed similar concerns, urging the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to prioritise the completion of street lighting in the area.
In terms of water supply, Ward 50 is among the few in Guwahati to have benefitted from GJB’s ongoing city-wide connectivity expansion. Households in Sundarpur and Nursery have started receiving water connections that, at least for now, are functioning relatively well. However, users have noted concerns regarding maintenance.
“There have been instances of sudden pipe bursts or muddy water flow during the rains. The supply is not always consistent, and maintenance teams take days to respond,” said a Shree Nagar resident, pointing out that while the infrastructure is in place, execution leaves much to be desired.
Ward 50 remains without a designated primary healthcare facility. While Hengerabari, which falls nearby, houses a government healthcare facility that is accessed by many locals, its reach does not always adequately serve the population of Ward 50.
“The hospital in Hengerabari is always crowded. People come from different wards, and there’s always a long wait,” said a resident of Manik Nagar. “We have to rely on private clinics or pharmacies for immediate medical attention, which isn’t affordable for many.”
Several families in Nursery and Nayanpur have highlighted how delays in receiving first aid or general treatment have forced them to seek help from private establishments, even for minor issues. Residents and activists have long called for at least a sub-health centre within the ward limits to cater to the growing population.
Perhaps the most troubling development in Ward 50 is the growing problem of substance abuse—particularly among youth. While there are no official figures from law enforcement, residents have raised repeated concerns over drug peddling and substance use, especially in isolated corners of Nayanpur and Sundarpur.
“This is becoming a silent epidemic. We see young boys sitting in groups late at night, behaving suspiciously. People suspect drug use, but fear prevents them from reporting anything to the police,” said a retired teacher from the area.
Dispur Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the ward, has reportedly increased patrols in sensitive areas. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many feel that without community outreach and rehabilitation services, the problem will only deepen.
“Young people here have nowhere to go. There are no playgrounds, no activity centres. It's easy to fall into these traps,” said a local social worker, who conducts awareness drives on addiction.
At the centre of Ward 50’s most persistent grievance lies the garbage transfer station in Nursery—a facility meant to streamline the process of garbage collection but now infamous for stench, health hazards, and environmental degradation. The station, located in proximity to residential buildings and a school, has been a recurring subject of complaints from locals.
“The smell is unbearable during the day, and garbage is often left uncovered. During the monsoon, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said a resident of Nursery. “We’ve written to the GMC, approached the councillor, but the issue remains unaddressed.”
Local businesses have also suffered, with small eateries and shops near the area reporting a drop in footfall. Residents allege that the facility is not cleaned regularly and waste is often dumped haphazardly. “This is a residential area, not a dumping ground,” said another local. “We understand the need for a transfer station, but the way it is maintained is unacceptable.”
Councillor Utpal Mahanta, who represents the ward, has received both praise and criticism from constituents. While his tenure has overseen the near-completion of road works and facilitated access to water supply from GJB, issues such as streetlight installation, healthcare accessibility, and rising drug-related concerns remain on the to-do list.
“The councillor is responsive, but there's only so much he can do without proper support from the departments concerned,” said one voter from Sundarpur. Others, however, feel that more proactiveness is needed to tackle worsening issues like the garbage station and substance abuse.
During a public meeting held earlier this year, the public acknowledged the garbage station complaints and stated that they had taken the matter up with the GMC. Even the work on the remaining streetlight installations was brought up. Now, only time will reveal when is it completed.
For many residents, Ward 50 represents the duality of urban Guwahati—a place where development coexists with neglect, and where the promise of progress is often marred by bureaucratic delays and oversight failures. The people of Ward 50 are not asking for luxuries—just the basics: clean streets, safe surroundings, functioning health services, and the dignity of living in a well-managed civic space.
With panchayat elections on the horizon, public sentiment is slowly shifting towards more critical engagement with local governance. “We have hopes, but also hesitation. We’ve seen promises before. This time, we want action,” concluded a long-time resident of Shree Nagar.
As the city continues to expand, Ward 50 stands as a clear reminder that true progress is measured not just in kilometres of road completed, but in the quality of life experienced by its residents every single day.
