Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a city of rapid urbanisation, cultural diversity, and economic growth. However, alongside its progress, the city faces a growing concern—an evident lack of civic sense among its citizens. This issue manifests in multiple forms, from improper garbage disposal to reckless traffic behaviour, ultimately impacting the quality of life and sustainable development of the city. The consequences extend beyond aesthetics and convenience, affecting public health, safety, and overall urban liveability. Addressing these problems is crucial for the city's long-term growth and its ability to provide a high quality of life for its residents.
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One of the most glaring problems is garbage disposal. Despite the presence of dustbins and waste collection systems, many residents continue to litter public spaces, markets, and roads. Areas such as Fancy Bazaar, Baskarnagar, and Beltola and several areas which frequently suffers from reckless waste accumulation, leading to clogged drains and severe waterlogging, especially during the monsoons. The issue extends beyond the streets, as people dispose of waste in water bodies like the Bharalu and Basistha rivers, severely polluting them and affecting aquatic life. Households and businesses also contribute to environmental degradation by dumping wastewater into open drains, creating breeding grounds for diseases. The absence of a systematic waste segregation process exacerbates the problem, making it challenging for municipal bodies to manage solid waste efficiently. While efforts have been made to introduce waste management initiatives, they remain ineffective due to a lack of citizen cooperation and poor implementation. Greater awareness, stronger waste disposal policies, and better public participation are essential to addressing these challenges.
Public hygiene remains another significant concern. Many people neglect basic sanitation practices like handwashing, which increases the risk of infections. Additionally, the widespread habit of spitting betel nut juice (tamul) on roads and walls has become an unsightly and unhygienic practice, staining public spaces and spreading germs. Public urination persists as a major issue despite the availability of toilets, creating foul odours and health hazards in various parts of the city. Poor maintenance of public toilets discourages people from using them, further aggravating sanitation issues. Many slum areas lack proper sanitation facilities, leading to open defecation, which poses serious health risks. Government initiatives to provide clean public toilets need better monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term effectiveness. Hygiene education and stricter enforcement of sanitation laws can play a pivotal role in bringing about change.
Traffic violations are rampant, posing a serious risk to both pedestrians and drivers. Jumping red lights, overtaking from the wrong side, and reckless driving have become commonplace. Many two-wheeler riders avoid wearing helmets, further increasing accident risks. Illegal parking on footpaths and roads adds to the traffic congestion, making it difficult for both pedestrians and vehicles to move smoothly. Public transport drivers often overload vehicles, putting passenger safety at risk. Pedestrians, too, contribute to traffic issues by crossing roads at unauthorised points instead of using zebra crossings, endangering themselves and causing disruptions in traffic flow. The lack of efficient traffic management and poor road conditions further aggravate the issue, leading to frequent accidents and long travel delays. Road expansion projects often remain incomplete for extended periods, worsening the daily commute for residents. Enhanced traffic regulations, improved road design, and increased public awareness about road safety are necessary to tackle these issues effectively.
Vandalism and damage to public property reflect the disregard many citizens have for government infrastructure. Public toilets, bus stops, and park benches are frequently defaced or destroyed, requiring additional maintenance costs. Walls and buildings are covered with unauthorised posters, advertisements, and graffiti, diminishing the city’s aesthetic appeal. Similarly, noise pollution remains unchecked as people continue to use loudspeakers, burst firecrackers, and honk excessively, with little regard for silent zones near hospitals, schools, and religious places. Late-night parties and wedding celebrations further contribute to the disturbance, affecting residential peace. The lack of regulation and awareness regarding noise pollution has made it difficult for citizens to enjoy a peaceful environment, especially in densely populated areas. This not only disrupts daily life but also impacts mental health and productivity. The excessive use of loudspeakers during religious events, political rallies, and protests has also been a subject of concern, as authorities struggle to enforce noise regulations. The implementation of strict penalties and awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of vandalism and noise pollution are crucial steps toward improvement.
Encroachment on public spaces exacerbates urban chaos. Street vendors and shopkeepers occupy footpaths, leaving little room for pedestrians, who are then forced to walk on roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Illegal roadside stalls create congestion in already busy market areas, and hawkers often block emergency exits and fire lanes, posing safety hazards. These encroachments not only slow down traffic movement but also lead to unnecessary conflicts between authorities and vendors, who often operate without proper permits. In addition, the construction of illegal structures in residential areas disrupts planned city layouts, leading to inadequate drainage systems and improper waste disposal practices. Establishing better urban planning measures and providing designated spaces for vendors could help resolve these problems without harming livelihoods.
A recent concern impacting traffic is the construction of overbridges. While meant to improve connectivity, the ongoing construction projects have led to severe bottlenecks. Vehicles are forced to navigate through narrow passages, creating long traffic jams and delays. This has further aggravated road congestion, especially in areas already struggling with illegal parking and pedestrian encroachments. Until these overbridges are completed, the city faces continued difficulties in managing smooth vehicular movement. Moreover, poor planning and a lack of alternative routes have worsened the situation, leaving citizens frustrated with the daily commute. The construction process often lacks proper safety measures, increasing risks for workers and commuters alike. The delay in completion of infrastructure projects due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption has made city planning highly ineffective, further straining Guwahati’s urban development. Streamlining construction projects with clear timelines and better resource allocation could prevent unnecessary congestion and delays.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for positive change. Several initiatives can be implemented to restore civic responsibility in Guwahati. Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities can educate people on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and adhering to civic norms. Stricter enforcement of penalties for littering, vandalism, and traffic violations will ensure accountability. The government can improve infrastructure by increasing the number of dustbins, public toilets, and pedestrian-friendly roads to encourage responsible behaviour. Community participation is crucial—residential welfare associations (RWAs), NGOs, and local volunteers can organise city-cleaning drives and awareness programs. Encouraging civic education from an early age will instil responsible behaviour in future generations. Citizen-led initiatives, in collaboration with authorities, can also foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourage people to take ownership of their surroundings.
While Guwahati faces several civic issues, a collective effort from the government, law enforcement, and most importantly, its citizens can transform the city into a cleaner, safer, and more organised space. Civic sense is not just about following rules; it is about fostering respect for one another and the environment we live in. If each individual takes small steps toward responsible behaviour, the impact can be profound. The vision of a cleaner, disciplined, and harmonious Guwahati is not far-fetched—it is achievable if citizens come together with a sense of duty and pride for their city.
(The author is a former Research Scholar at a University based in Assam. All views and opinions expressed are authors own)
