Guwahati, the largest city in Assam and a pivotal urban centre in Northeast India, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and the majestic Brahmaputra River that courses through it. However, beneath this picturesque exterior lies an escalating crisis that threatens the very essence of life in the region—water scarcity. As the city confronts the dual challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change, alongside socio-political complexities, the struggle for water resources has emerged as a pressing concern, profoundly impacting both urban and rural populations.
ALSO READ: Opinion | War And Oil: How West Asia’s Conflict Could Shake India’s Economy
Guwahati has been endowed with abundant water resources, primarily due to the Brahmaputra River, which has long served as a lifeline for the city and its surrounding areas. This river not only provides essential water for drinking and irrigation but also supports transportation and fisheries, playing an indispensable role in the local economy. However, as Guwahati continues to expand, the mounting demand for water is straining this vital resource, giving rise to a myriad of conflicts and challenges that the city can no longer afford to overlook.
The rapid urbanisation of Guwahati has dramatically transformed its demographic landscape. The city's population has surged, with projections indicating that it may exceed 1.5 million in the coming decade. This growth, driven by migration from rural areas in search of better employment and educational opportunities, has placed immense pressure on the city's water supply. Currently, Guwahati relies on a combination of surface water from the Brahmaputra and groundwater from aquifers to meet its needs. However, the existing infrastructure is woefully inadequate to provide sufficient water supply to all residents. Frequent water shortages, particularly during the dry season, underscore the urgent necessity for a sustainable water management strategy.
A primary contributor to water scarcity in Guwahati is pollution. The Brahmaputra, once a pristine river, has become a repository for industrial waste and untreated sewage. Factories along the riverbank discharge effluents that contaminate the water, rendering it unfit for consumption. Additionally, domestic waste from households and informal settlements significantly exacerbates the pollution load. As the quality of water deteriorates, access to clean drinking water becomes increasingly constrained, leading to public health crises and heightened conflicts over available resources. The local populace faces a dire choice: rely on contaminated river water or pay exorbitant prices for bottled water, a burden many cannot bear.
The increasing dependence on groundwater has also precipitated a significant decline in the water table, as excessive extraction surpasses natural replenishment. Over the years, many households have resorted to borewells and hand pumps to secure their water supply. While this has provided a temporary solution, it poses long-term risks, including land subsidence and the intrusion of saline water in coastal regions. The depletion of groundwater resources has rendered access to water a contentious issue, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas that rely on these sources for irrigation and domestic use.
Conflicts over water rights have intensified as urban demands continue to escalate. Rural communities, which have traditionally depended on the Brahmaputra for irrigation and other uses, increasingly find themselves at odds with the expanding urban population. The push for development often overlooks the needs of these communities, fostering resentment and protests. Farmers in surrounding districts have reported diminished water availability for irrigation, jeopardising their livelihoods and food security. This struggle for equitable access to water transcends mere resource allocation; it encapsulates the socio-economic inequalities that persist in the region. Marginalised communities often find themselves disproportionately affected by urban expansion, leading to heightened tensions and potential conflicts.
To address these pressing issues, the Assam government has initiated various projects aimed at improving water supply and management in Guwahati. The Greater Guwahati Water Supply Project, for instance, is designed to enhance the city’s water infrastructure by expanding the supply network and improving distribution systems. However, the implementation of such projects has been hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of funding, and inadequate community involvement. There exists a palpable disconnect between policy formulation and ground realities, as many initiatives fail to account for local needs and traditional water management practices. Moreover, the government's approach often emphasises infrastructure development without adequately addressing the root causes of water scarcity, such as pollution and unsustainable extraction practices. To create a more sustainable water management framework, it is crucial to involve local communities in decision-making processes. Engaging residents in water conservation efforts, promoting rainwater harvesting, and restoring wetlands can alleviate some of the pressure on existing water resources. These community-driven initiatives hold the potential to foster a sense of ownership and accountability among residents, ensuring that water management practices are both effective and equitable.
Climate change further exacerbates the water crisis in Guwahati. The region is increasingly witnessing erratic rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged dry spells and intense flooding during monsoon seasons. These changes disrupt the natural hydrological cycle, compounding pressures on water resources. Farmers face significant challenges in planning their cropping cycles, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity. Urban planners are compelled to reconsider infrastructure development as flooding becomes more frequent, threatening homes and livelihoods. Addressing climate change and its impacts on water resources necessitates a coordinated approach involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities.
Public awareness campaigns play a vital role in fostering a culture of water conservation in Guwahati. Educational programs that emphasise the importance of preserving water resources and the consequences of pollution can help instill a sense of responsibility among residents. Schools, community organisations, and local governments can collaborate to promote initiatives such as clean-up drives along the Brahmaputra, tree planting, and the implementation of water-saving technologies in households. Grassroots movements have already begun to mobilise communities, raising awareness about the importance of clean water and advocating for sustainable practices.
At the end, the tale of water scarcity in Guwahati serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between urbanisation, environmental degradation, and social equity. The city stands at a critical juncture, with the opportunity to chart a path toward sustainable water management. By prioritising inclusive policies, fostering community engagement, and addressing the underlying causes of water conflicts, Guwahati can strive to secure a sustainable future for its residents. The health of the Brahmaputra River and the well-being of its people hinge upon collective efforts to mitigate water scarcity and restore the balance between urban needs and ecological sustainability. Only through collaboration and a steadfast commitment to responsible water management can Guwahati hope to transcend its water challenges and flourish in the years ahead.
(The Writer is Editor in Chief of the Assamese E-Megazine SAMPROTIK. All thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own.)