Guwahati's Ward Number 59 recently made headlines with the inauguration of a smart street lighting project, marking a step forward in the city's infrastructure development. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, at an event held at Nandi Mikir Primary School in Chachal, launched the first phase of smart street lighting equipped with a Centralised Control and Monitoring System (CCMS). The project, implemented under Guwahati Smart City Limited, comes with a hefty price tag of Rs. 83.96 crore.
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As part of this initiative, 20,667 smart street lights are to be installed, of which over 11,000 have already been powered. With 10,000 lights now functional, 944 lanes across the city have been illuminated. The system is fitted with advanced cloud-based management technology, allowing remote operation and adjustment of brightness. To save energy and cut costs, the lights automatically dim after midnight.
Speaking to GPlus, Ward Councillor Ashim Saikia stated that 90 per cent of the installations have been completed in Ward 59. “We have requested the authorities to complete the remaining 10 per cent,” he said.
However, while the lighting project may have brightened the streets, several pressing concerns continue to trouble residents, including incomplete drainage work, water shortages, and traffic mismanagement.
Drainage woes yet to be addressed
Despite ongoing drainage work under the supervision of the Public Works Department (PWD) and Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), some parts of the ward remain vulnerable to waterlogging. Authorities were expected to clear drains ahead of the monsoon season, but the process has not yet been initiated. Local representatives have reportedly forwarded a request for urgent action, but residents remain sceptical.
A Chachal resident told GPlus, “A few bylanes often end up flooded for 10-15 days during the monsoon. I hope the authority is prepared to tackle that.”
Water crisis forces residents to buy supply
Another major issue affecting the ward is the persistent water shortage. Several localities are forced to buy water regularly due to an inconsistent supply. Councillor Saikia stated that some areas have begun receiving water under the Guwahati Jal Board’s (GJB) project, but a resident highlighted that many still struggle.
Efforts are underway to improve the situation through the Chachal Water Supply Scheme and a proposed Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) boring project in Borbari. However, there is no clear timeline for when residents can expect relief.
“Many residents here buy water on a regular basis. That issue should be sorted,” the Chachal resident added.
Crime Control: A mixed picture
Ward 59 falls under the jurisdiction of three police stations—Dispur, Satgaon, and Noonmati. The area has a history of petty thefts, illicit liquor sales, and gambling. While there has been some improvement, concerns remain about unreported incidents.
“There has been a little curb on crime, but many instances go unaccounted for,” said a local source.
Traffic chaos at Borbari junction
One of the biggest headaches for commuters in Ward 59 is traffic congestion, particularly at Borbari junction. The situation has worsened since the installation of the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), which many believe has made navigation more challenging.
The absence of traffic personnel, long queues of e-rickshaws, and poor enforcement have led to frequent traffic snarls. Authorities have yet to find a solution to the chaos, leaving commuters frustrated.
Garbage transfer station sparks outrage
Another controversial issue in the ward is the temporary garbage transfer station near Doordarshan Colony. Residents have complained about the foul smell, unhygienic conditions, and road blockages caused by the facility.
Following public concern, the councillor assured that the garbage station will soon be relocated to Juripar. However, the timeline for this move remains unclear, leaving residents to endure the stench and inconvenience for the foreseeable future.
Medical facilities and public health initiatives
A primary dispensary has been set up in Borbari within the PWD colony to address medical emergencies in the ward. Additionally, authorities recently took steps to curb mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria by introducing a special breed of fish into local drains to control mosquito multiplication.
However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen, as residents continue to raise concerns about stagnant water and poor sanitation in several areas.
Public toilets: A solution or a new problem?
A pay-and-use toilet is set to be installed in Borbari soon, as per the councillor. However, there is growing concern that it might become a hub for intoxication and drug abuse, as has been the case with several other public toilets in the city.
While public conveniences are much needed, maintenance and security have been longstanding issues that the authorities have failed to address. Meanwhile, the councillor assured that proper measures will be taken once the facility is open.
A long road to becoming a model ward
Despite these challenges, Ward 59 has seen notable developments in recent years, particularly with the street lighting project and ongoing efforts to improve drainage and water supply. However, persistent issues such as traffic congestion, petty crime, waste management, and water shortages indicate that there is still a long way to go before the ward can claim to be a model of urban development.
For now, while the streets may be lit, the path to progress remains riddled with obstacles.
