The Guwahati Jal Board faces escalating public criticism over safety violations and ongoing malfunctions in its water infrastructure projects, exacerbating frustrations amid relentless excavation work throughout the city.
The Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) continues to face mounting public criticism as safety concerns and frequent malfunctions plague its water infrastructure projects across the city. With residents growing increasingly frustrated over the seemingly endless excavation works that have yet to reach a satisfactory conclusion, new allegations have surfaced regarding potential safety violations at several project sites. These concerns have cast a shadow over the GJB’s already embattled reputation, prompting renewed scrutiny of the department's operations.
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One anonymous source with past experience in the department has raised alarms about lapses in safety procedures at several locations where pipes have already been laid. According to this individual, the Guwahati Jal Board’s contractors are not consistently adhering to the safety standards required for pipe installation, particularly in terms of maintaining the recommended depth for underground water pipes. The water pipes are meant to be laid at a minimum depth of 1.5 metres underground to avoid accidental damage and ensure long-term functionality. However, there have been instances where pipes have been laid too close to the surface, resulting in repeated water leakages and structural vulnerabilities.
These operational shortcomings are being cited as a leading cause of the malfunctions and leaks that have been reported at sites where work is supposedly completed. “It’s not just about finishing the project; it’s about ensuring that it’s done safely,” the anonymous source commented. “We’re seeing flaws because basic safety protocols are not being followed, and the result is shoddy workmanship that doesn’t hold up over time.”
Despite the growing chorus of complaints, GJB officials have largely dismissed these concerns, asserting that the current phase of the water infrastructure project is still in the “testing” stage. According to them, the discovery of flaws during this phase is not only expected but also beneficial, as it allows the department to rectify issues before the full system becomes operational. “It’s actually good that these problems are coming to light now,” one official stated. “This way, we can address them before the project is complete.”
However, this explanation has done little to assuage the public’s frustration. For many, the constant disruption caused by the GJB’s works, combined with the department’s repeated assurances of eventual success, has led to widespread skepticism. The never-ending unearthing of roads and neighbourhoods has turned large swathes of the city into construction zones, with no end in sight. “We’ve been living in this mess for over a year now, and every time they finish a section, it feels like they’re back to dig it up again,” said one disgruntled resident of Dispur.
The latest allegations about safety violations have only served to heighten concerns about the overall quality of the GJB’s work. According to the anonymous source, cost-cutting measures are at the root of many of the problems being observed. In an effort to save money, contractors are reportedly cutting corners and ignoring key safety protocols, which has led to poor-quality installations and increased risks for both workers and the public.
The Guwahati Jal Board has already found itself in hot water over issues of safety in the past. In one particularly tragic incident, the carelessness of contractors working under the GJB resulted in the death of a minor. This incident, which shocked the city, highlighted the potential dangers of the department’s haphazard approach to safety.
Similarly, the Kharguli area saw its own disaster when a GJB contractor’s negligence led to a landslide, damaging homes and displacing several families. The Kharguli incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved when safety regulations are ignored, and it remains a painful memory for the affected residents. According to reports, the GJB had failed to properly reinforce the soil after laying water pipes in the area, which led to the destabilisation of the hillside.
Adding to the controversy surrounding the Guwahati Jal Board is the emergence of allegations that some site engineers have been providing unauthorised water connections to homes without the necessary documentation. While evidence of these cases is still being uncovered, the claims raise serious questions about the accountability and oversight within the department.
“There have been rumours that some engineers are bypassing the normal process and giving out water connections in exchange for bribes,” said one local activist who has been tracking the GJB’s activities. “If this is true, it would suggest that the problems within the Guwahati Jal Board go far deeper than just technical flaws.”
The GJB, for its part, has denied these accusations, with one official speaking to GPlus about the measures in place to ensure compliance with regulations. “We strictly direct the contractors to follow all the rules, and it is even supervised,” the official said. “If work is being done in more than 2-3 locations simultaneously, then there might be a few exceptions, but mostly, we inspect the sites.”
As public scrutiny of the Guwahati Jal Board intensifies, the department faces a growing challenge in restoring public trust. With frequent reports of malfunctions, safety violations, and now allegations of unauthorised connections, the GJB is struggling to defend its record.
For the residents of Guwahati, the current situation feels like a never-ending ordeal. The ongoing roadworks, combined with the constant water disruptions and safety concerns, have made life difficult for many, with no clear resolution in sight. “We’re tired of hearing the same excuses from the authorities,” said another resident. “They need to get their act together and start putting the public’s safety first.”
The recent allegations of cost-cutting and safety compromises are a stark reminder of the dangers involved when short-term savings are prioritised over long-term safety. As more evidence comes to light, it remains to be seen whether the GJB will be able to address these issues and complete its ambitious water infrastructure project without further incident.
For now, the Guwahati Jal Board remains firmly in the public’s crosshairs, with many residents demanding answers—and action—before it’s too late.
