GUWAHATI: Despite recent efforts by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to clean drains ahead of the monsoon season, residents are still expressing frustration owing to the piles of silt left unattended on roads for days, and the hazardous conditions caused by open drains.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has neglected to address the piles of silt extracted from the clogged drains after the desiltation, and has been leaving them unattended in several parts of the city.
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Talking to GPlus, citizen journalist Hamid Khan said, "Despite cleaning the drains recently, they have left the footpath slabs open for three days during the Bihu rush. This is completely irresponsible."
Similarly, Tilak Singh, a shopkeeper in Ganeshguri, while talking to GPlus said, "Most of the mud from the silt ends up back in the sewer, while the rest becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Silt dumped in front of our shops is not only unsightly but also a health risk," Singh remarked.
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Dhan Kalita, a resident of Hengrabari, highlighted the consequences of the negligence.
Talking to GPlus, Kalita said, "Although the drain cleaning process has been completed, heaps of silt still remain adjacent to the cleaned drains. This dried-up silt causes dust pollution and emits a foul odor. If it rains, the muck gets stuck in vehicle tires, making the surroundings even more unclean," Kalita explained.
A senior official of GMC talking to GPlus said, "After desilation, silt is kept near the drains for one to two days so that the silt can dry and then be easily transported to the dumping ground", also adding that it is difficult to carry wet silt.