GUWAHATI: The residents of Guwahati are facing a growing environmental concern as the city grapples with rising dust levels and the resulting pollution.
This issue, exacerbated by construction activities and the open dumping of construction waste, has left residents worried about its potential health implications. The combination of high temperatures and pervasive dust has created discomfort and health worries for residents.
Speaking to GPlus, Trisha Das, a resident of Rupnagar, expressed her concerns, saying, "The ongoing construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure projects has resulted in a substantial accumulation of dust in Guwahati. The situation worsens due to the open dumping of construction waste. I already have respiratory problems, and I'm anxious about the potential health risks this dust might pose.”
A resident of Ulubari lamented, "The city is plagued by traffic congestion and pervasive dust. Commuting on two-wheelers has become exceptionally challenging due to the excessive dust, especially considering the increasing temperatures."
Talking to GPlus, Ayaan Ahmed, an office-goer highlighted the impact on vehicles, saying, "I usually park my car on the streets as my office on GS Road does not have designated parking. When I leave the office, the car is completely covered in dust."
"It's practically impossible to roll down your car windows in certain parts of Hatigaon as it resembles a dust storm. Walking on B Barooah Road is also highly inadvisable without a mask," Ahmed added.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation said, "We would like to advise people to raise the issue in our control room so that we can use spray water on the dust-covered road or use road sweeping machines which helps in removing dust from the roads."
However, speaking to GPlus, Dr Abhijit Sarma, Superintendent of GMCH, advised, "If there's dust in the noon time, people should avoid going outside and even if they go, they should wear masks."
