Residents of Sijubari and neighbouring areas have raised their voices against the ongoing chaos caused by an unorganised garbage dumping facility on the embankment road. Situated near the intersection connecting Lokhra, Ghoramara, and Hatigaon, this facility has become a nuisance, disrupting vehicular movement and jeopardizing the safety of pedestrians.
Despite recent upgrades to the embankment road, including the laying of Cement Concrete (CC) blocks, the intended improvement has been overshadowed by the persistent issue of waste disposal. The area surrounding the dumping site is covered with garbage, emitting foul odours and posing health risks to residents. "It's unbearable to live in such conditions. The stench makes it impossible to open our windows," lamented a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
The plight worsens as the garbage spreads towards the opposite side of the dumping facility, attracting rag-pickers, animals, and birds. This not only increases environmental degradation but also increases the risk of disease transmission. "We fear for our health every day. The authorities need to take immediate action before it's too late," urged another resident.
While speaking to GPlus, an official from Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) shared, "The area has been open for a long period. We are planning to take measures and barricade it. As soon as the fund for the initiative is released the work will be completed within weeks."
The official further added that barricading work won't resemble the facility present near Sundarpur. However, in order to prevent access to the rag-pickers and animals certain measures will be adopted.
Adding to the residents' woes is the presence of an unauthorised fish market adjacent to the dumping facility. The market's unhygienic practices have become a breeding ground for health hazards, magnifying the already dire situation. "The stench from the garbage mixed with the smell of fish is unbearable. It's a health hazard waiting to happen," remarked a concerned resident.
The chaos on the embankment road is not confined to health concerns but also affects the safety of pedestrians and motorists. The absence of street lights amplifies the risks for pedestrians navigating through the area, especially during the night. "Walking through here feels like a gamble with our lives. We need proper lighting to ensure our safety," expressed a resident who frequently commutes through the area.
For motorists, the situation escalates into gridlock during the functioning hours of the fish market.
The influx of vehicles coupled with the congestion caused by the unorganised garbage dumping creates traffic bottlenecks, further complicating the commute for residents. "Getting stuck in traffic jams is a daily ordeal. It's frustrating and affects our daily schedules," voiced a resident who relies on the embankment road for commuting.
In response to the residents' frustration, local authorities have been urged to take action to address the embankment road's misery.
Residents emphasize the need for regular waste management and enforcement of regulations to curb unauthorised activities like the fish market. "We cannot continue living in such unsanitary conditions. It's high time the authorities step in and resolve these issues for the well-being of the community," asserted a resident representative.
Another resident of Kanaklata Path while sharing with GPlus said, "We've requested the authority to take strict measures against the illegal fish market. Due to the negligence of the fish market, the garbage dump has been worse. Apparently, there are rumours that the market is backed up by a few big shots."
When GPlus tried to contact GMC and discuss the issue, an official replied saying, "The subject is under scrutiny at a higher level."
Residents of the community are hopeful that a prompt settlement will relieve their worries and bring back normalcy to the embankment road, even as they continue to struggle with the issues presented by the disorderly waste dumping and the nearby fish market.
