GUWAHATI: Guwahati’s dilapidated roads and mismanaged traffic have always been a cause for concern in the city. Civic authorities have often been blamed for their apathy.
In report published in The Assam Tribune, the stretch of road from Bhangagarh to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) currently lies in a shambles.
This stretch of road has been putting the lives of several people at risk, particularly for patients who head towards the GMCH from the rest of the city. It is being said that this danger is because of the apathetic attitude and negligence of several departments including the PWD, Traffic authorities and the GMC and that they have failed in implementing proper rules and regulations.
The area is a major hub for vegetable and meat vendors who set up shop here and as an “illegal vending zone.” Apart from creating an unhygienic environment, this also leads to traffic jams/congestions.
The traffic is poorly managed by plastic barricades which have also failed to check jaywalkers and people driving on the wrong side of the road.
While the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) on some occasions carried out eviction drives against the illegal shops, they have failed to find a permanent solution.
These conditions have also limited quick access to the GMCH and patients have failed to receive quality medical service on time. The authorities from the hospital have appealed to the district administration to take action to improve the environment around the hospital and its neighboring areas, also citing that maintaining hygiene near a health institute is of paramount importance.
In addition to that, mini-cab, trekkers, e-rickshaws and other public vehicles stop near the entrance of the hospital which hampers the movement of the traffic in the area.