Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is grappling with an escalating environmental challenge—frequent and intense dust storms that disrupt daily life and pose serious health risks. The city’s air quality has been steadily declining, with the primary culprits being the vast sandy banks of the Brahmaputra, unchecked urbanisation, rampant construction activities, and large-scale hill cutting.
ALSO READ: Opinion | World Water Day 2025 “Preserve The Glaciers”
These environmental disturbances not only affect the city’s livability but also threaten the well-being of its residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. If left unaddressed, this issue could spiral into a full-fledged environmental disaster with far-reaching consequences for public health, biodiversity, and urban infrastructure.
In this article, we examine the causes, effects, and possible solutions to mitigate Guwahati’s worsening dust storm crisis.
- The Root Causes of Dust Storms in Guwahati
1. Sand Deposition on the Brahmaputra’s Banks: The Brahmaputra River, one of the mightiest rivers in the world, deposits enormous amounts of sand and silt along its banks during the monsoon season. As the water recedes in the dry months, these sandy deposits are left exposed to strong seasonal winds. The loose, fine sand particles become airborne, creating dense clouds of dust that spread across the city. This phenomenon is particularly intense in areas close to the river, such as Uzan Bazar, Bharalumukh, and Fancy Bazar, where residents frequently experience dust-laden air.
2. Unregulated Construction Activities: Guwahati has witnessed rapid urbanisation in recent decades, with new commercial and residential structures emerging across the city. However, many construction projects operate without proper dust control measures. Building materials like cement, sand, and gravel are often stored in open spaces, leading to increased dust dispersion. Additionally, continuous excavation and land-clearing activities contribute significantly to the worsening air quality.
3. Hill Cutting and Deforestation: Another major factor contributing to dust pollution in Guwahati is hill cutting. The city is surrounded by lush green hills, but rapid and often illegal hill-cutting practices for real estate development have led to severe soil erosion. Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, loose earth becomes airborne, further exacerbating dust pollution. Moreover, the loss of green cover diminishes the natural ability of plants to filter dust and pollutants from the air.
4. Road Dust and Poor Infrastructure: Guwahati’s road network is also a significant source of dust pollution. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and ongoing construction projects leave large amounts of loose dirt on the streets. As vehicles pass over these areas, they lift dust into the air, making it difficult for pedestrians and commuters to breathe easily. Additionally, unpaved roads and inadequate drainage systems contribute to the spread of dust during dry months.
- The Impact of Dust Storms on Health and the Environment
1. Health Hazards for Residents: Dust storms carry fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to various respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure to high levels of dust pollution can cause:
• Respiratory problems: Dust particles irritate the respiratory tract, triggering asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related conditions.
• Eye infections: Dust particles can cause redness, irritation, and conjunctivitis.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Weakened immune systems: Continuous inhalation of dust weakens the body’s natural defenses, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
The most vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Schools, hospitals, and residential areas near dust-prone zones face the highest risk, necessitating urgent intervention.
2. Ecological Damage and Biodiversity Loss: The persistent dust storms in Guwahati not only affect humans but also pose significant threats to the environment. Fine dust settles on plants, reducing their ability to photosynthesise efficiently. This weakens plant growth and disrupts local ecosystems. Dust accumulation in water bodies like Deepor Beel, a vital wetland in the region, can negatively impact aquatic life by altering water quality and reducing oxygen levels.
3. Declining Air Quality and Urban Discomfort: The increasing concentration of dust particles has pushed Guwahati’s air quality to hazardous levels, particularly during dry seasons. Many residents report constant discomfort due to the persistent haze, which affects visibility and causes breathing difficulties. The dust also settles on buildings, vehicles, and public infrastructure, making the city appear dull and unclean.
- Addressing the Crisis: Possible Solutions
1. Controlling Sand Dispersion from the Brahmaputra: Authorities must implement measures to prevent excessive dust generation from the riverbanks. Possible solutions include:
• Planting grass and shrubs along the riverbanks to hold the sand in place.
• Using geotextile materials to cover exposed sandy areas and prevent wind erosion.
• Establishing protective green belts with trees that act as natural windbreakers.
2. Regulating Construction Activities: Strict guidelines must be enforced to minimise dust pollution from construction sites. Measures should include:
• Covering construction materials like sand and cement with tarps to prevent them from becoming airborne.
• Mandating water spraying at construction sites to keep dust levels under control.
• Implementing strict penalties for builders who violate dust control regulations.
3. Halting Illegal Hill Cutting and Promoting Reforestation
• Strict enforcement of environmental laws is necessary to prevent further hill cutting.
• Reforestation programs should be initiated to restore lost vegetation and stabilise the soil.
• Community participation should be encouraged in conservation efforts to promote sustainable development.
4. Improving Road Infrastructure and Dust Suppression Techniques
• Regular street cleaning using vacuum sweepers can reduce dust accumulation on roads.
• Paving unpaved roads and ensuring proper drainage can prevent dust from being kicked up by vehicles.
• Water sprinkling on major roads during dry seasons can help settle airborne dust.
5. Raising Public Awareness and Involving Communities: Public cooperation is crucial in tackling Guwahati’s dust storm crisis. Awareness campaigns should educate residents about the health impacts of dust pollution and the importance of sustainable urban development. Encouraging citizens to report illegal hill cutting, excessive construction dust, and road pollution can help authorities take swift action.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
Guwahati’s dust storm crisis is a pressing environmental and public health concern that demands urgent attention. The city’s rapid expansion must be accompanied by sustainable planning and strict environmental regulations to prevent further deterioration of air quality. Authorities, urban planners, environmentalists, and the general public must work together to implement effective dust control measures.
If proactive steps are not taken now, the situation will only worsen, leading to long-term health crises, environmental degradation, and an overall decline in the quality of life in Guwahati. The time for action is now—before the dust settles on a city struggling to breathe.
By adopting sustainable practices, enforcing strict regulations, and raising awareness, Guwahati can mitigate the impact of dust storms and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.
(The author is a science journalist, sustainability advocate, former director of Assam Seed & Organic Certification Agency, and Assam’s Ex-Joint Director of Agriculture. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
