GUWAHATI: In a platform provided to the residents of Guwahati to discuss the vital issues of the city which require immediate authority attention, various issues like urban flooding, ‘flop’ master plan, traffic jam, poor public transportation among many others were raised.
GPlus hosted a highly engaging Townhall at Lush Café in Uzanbazar, on Saturday, June 22. Concerned citizens from youth to senior citizens, budding journalists, students and professionals of multiple sectors gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting Guwahati. The event was organised to provide a platform for community members to voice their concerns and propose solutions.
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A Narengi-based businessman, Pitambar Joshi, kick-started the dialogue by criticising the current state of the Guwahati Master Plan. He called attention to the detrimental impact of the Silsako dumping ground on the local ecosystem and the health of nearby residents.
Dubbing the master plan as a "flop", the businessman highlighted how the construction work of the Dighalipukhuri-Bamunimaidam flyover is causing significant inconvenience and distress to local residents and small businesses due to construction-related disruptions.
He pointed out the terrible condition of the footpaths and the drains owing to the haphazard nature of the construction.
The Narengi resident also brought to light the unchecked proliferation of illegal hoardings across the city which poses serious safety risks. He also pointed out that many restaurants no longer serve free filtered water, pushing customers to buy plastic water bottles instead, thereby contributing to pollution.
A Royal Global University student from Mirza brought up several issues including Deepor Beel, particularly water logging exacerbated by heavy rains. She brought attention to the Pamohi area, which suffers from severe road damage and inadequate drainage.
The limited availability of buses leading to massive overcrowding was also one of the concerns raised by her, as other means of transport exploit the situation with their exorbitant fares. She further suggested that Rs 10 water bottles should be banned by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
Navaparna Gautam, a resident of Sreenagar, highlighted the persistent traffic jams in her area, in the link road between Zoo Road and GS Road. She also highlighted that due to installation of pipes, the roads have been dug up in a notorious manner, to which others raised similar issues in Beltola and Hatigaon.
A Don Bosco University (DBU) student addressed the frequent traffic congestion at Jorabat, especially during rainy season which leads to waterlogging. Problems like incomplete drain constructions and dangerously high water levels were cited as major hazards, which make the stretch dangerous to walk, especially in the border road between Assam and Meghalaya from 14 Mile to Jorabat. A suggestion was made for a flyover to alleviate these issues.
A class XI school student from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti pointed out high fares of taxis and app-based cab services, especially the surge pricing during rainy weather and after 8 PM, which is causing significant financial strain on commuters. He highlighted how prices almost triple during surge hours, charging as much as Rs 500 for a mere 3 km ride.
A Maligaon resident pointed out false promises by the government during election campaigning especially in Kalapani, amidst ongoing land encroachments, contributing to infrastructural neglect.
Arzoo Dutta, a senior citizen, expressed her fear of driving due to the reckless behaviour of bikers, particularly on weekdays. She said she had been driving for over 40 years but can only drive on weekends now as the bikers ride as if they were competing with one another.
Citizens also highlighted the bad condition of several foot overbridges around the city. The class XI student pointed out how traffic police are missing in key locations, such as the national highway, Ganeshguri etc.
A Dhirenpara resident highlighted the terrible plight of the residents in that area, especially during monsoon and subsequent waterlogging. The condition is exacerbated during cricket matches behind the Assam Cricket Association stadium in Barsapara when the public transport is bad. A 10-minute ride takes about 45 minutes through narrow roads.
Dutta also highlighted the plight of street children, advocating for better shelters and educational opportunities. She talked about the Assam Police’s “Shishu Mitra” programme.
She urged the authorities to take measures regarding their safety and hygiene, and take them to rehabilitation centres if needed. She questioned why the government doesn’t spend on children more instead of unnecessary spending.
Attention was also brought to the Guwahati road dividers being stained red by paan consumers, a blot to this supposedly “smart city.” Traffic and pollution in Six Mile and Lakhtokia were also highlighted.
The constant state of disrepair in Kalapahar was noted by a DBU student, with no accountability from local officials. The non-functioning escalators of footbridges were also brought to light.
Persistent traffic jams, unsafe roads, and unchecked vendor encroachments in Six Mile were highlighted as urgent issues needing resolution. The lack of public toilets and the terrible condition of footpaths, exacerbated by a lack of response from GMC, were also brought to light.
Cybercrime was another issue highlighted by multiple participants of the Townhall. Another DBU student spoke about it at length, while others talked about a scam wherein people are asked to review places on Google.
Another participant shared how Rs 94,000 was siphoned off by cybercriminals by first transferring the money from his mother to his sister. He stated that the case is still ongoing and that he has given up any hope of the money being retrieved.
The school student also highlighted a lack of open spaces for people to play sports. A key issue brought forward was regarding a case about the lack of certification for students pursuing pharmacy.
Citizens clamoured for government representation in the next Townhall to address these issues. A positive story shared by one of the participants was during an accident in Jorabat where she had to wait for half an hour before deciding to message GPlus on Instagram, upon which the traffic was cleared in an hour.
In response to the concerns raised, the GPlus team assured attendees that their issues would be taken seriously. Participants were encouraged to write about their issuesand share photos/videos on the “Citizen Journalist” feature on the GPlus app, upon which they would be taken up by GPlus reporters.