Guwahati’s Ward 60, covering prominent areas such as Six Mile, Panjabari, Juripar, Batahguli, Khanapara, 8 Mile, and Garo Basti, faces a slew of civic issues ranging from broken roads and incomplete street light installation to the delayed inception of the water supply project. Despite multiple construction efforts by departments such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the Public Works Department (PWD), and Disaster Management, significant gaps remain in addressing the ward’s pressing concerns
| Ward number: | 60 |
| Ward Councillor: | Bhupen Baruah |
| Voters: |
27,000 approx |
| Population: | 35,000 approx |
| Concentrated areas: | Six Mile, Panjabari, Juripar, Batahguli, Khanapara, 8 Mile, Garo Basti |
With an approximate population of 35,000 and around 27,000 registered voters, the ward falls under the jurisdiction of three police stations—Satgaon, Dispur, and Basistha. While crime rates are not alarming, cases of substance abuse in unlit areas and sporadic wild elephant intrusions have raised safety concerns among residents.
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One of the major grievances of the residents of Ward 60 is the poor condition of roads. The problem persists despite several construction works being carried out in the area. According to the Ward Councillor, Bhupen Baruah, there are currently around 110 applications for road repairs, but no funds have been sanctioned for the same.
“Although departments such as GMC, PWD, and Disaster Management have done plenty of construction work, many roads are yet to be mended. At present, we have around 110 applications for road repairs. But, there is no fund sanctioned as of now. The requirement exceeds the provision,” Baruah told GPlus.
This lack of funds has left several roads in a dilapidated state, making commuting a daily struggle for residents. The situation worsens during the monsoons, as potholes fill with water, turning roads into hazardous zones. Several stretches, particularly in Juripar and Panjabari, have been prone to flash floods, further magnifying the problem.
Another concern troubling the residents is the incomplete installation of street lights across the ward. The first phase of street light installation has covered some areas, but the second phase is yet to be executed. With dark streets breeding insecurity, especially in areas where substance abuse cases have been reported, the demand for timely completion of the project has intensified.
Residents argue that well-lit streets are a necessity rather than a luxury. “Street lights are essential for our safety. When the roads are dark, it becomes unsafe for women and elderly residents to step out after sundown,” said a resident from the ward.
Councillor Baruah stated that the second phase of the project is expected to cover the remaining parts of the ward, but the timeline remains uncertain. The delay has left many questioning whether authorities will take the issue seriously before any major untoward incidents occur.
Water supply remains one of the biggest challenges for the residents of Ward 60. The much-awaited South-East Water Supply Project, which is expected to provide a long-term solution, is yet to be initiated by the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB). As per reports, the project is slated for completion by 2028.
Until then, residents are left to rely on borewells or purchase water from private suppliers, adding to their monthly expenses. Those who cannot afford to buy water often struggle with erratic supply, particularly during the dry months.
“Access to clean drinking water is a basic necessity. We have been waiting for a proper pipeline connection, but there has been no progress so far. The authorities need to expedite the work,” said a resident of Batahguli.
The delay in the project’s commencement has sparked frustration among locals, who believe that essential utilities such as water should be prioritised over cosmetic urban development projects.
Ward 60 has been battling flash floods for years, especially in low-lying areas like Juripar and Panjabari. GMC has attempted to mitigate the problem by using super suckers to clear clogged drains. However, past instances suggest that these efforts have only provided temporary relief.
Residents lament that waterlogging continues to disrupt daily life and damages properties. “Every year, we face the same problem. GMC clears the drains, but once the monsoons arrive, the situation is back to square one. What we need is a long-term drainage solution,” said a local from Juripar.
Authorities have assured that they are looking into the matter, but without substantial infrastructural upgrades, the problem is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
Apart from civic issues, certain parts of the ward, including Nabajyoti Nagar, 8 Mile, and Garo Basti, have witnessed landslides, posing a risk to residents. While landslides are largely attributed to natural causes, inadequate preventive measures have worsened the situation.
“There should be proper safety measures in place, especially for houses built on slopes. Without reinforcement, the risk of landslides will persist,” said a resident of 8 Mile.
Additionally, some areas in Ward 60 fall under forest and revenue land, leading to concerns about unauthorised construction. Due to the lack of clear demarcation, houses have been built in certain areas that might violate legal norms. However, officials maintain that this can only be ascertained after a formal demarcation process is conducted.
A unique challenge faced by certain localities in Ward 60 is the frequent movement of wild elephants. Areas near forested zones, such as Batahguli and parts of Panjabari, have reported occasional visits by elephants, causing panic among residents.
While forest officials have urged people to avoid provoking the animals, concerns remain about the safety of children and elderly residents. “Elephants come in search of food, and if provoked, they can turn aggressive. The authorities need to ensure proper elephant corridors to prevent such incidents,” said an environmentalist from the city.
Although Ward 60 does not report a high crime rate, substance abuse remains a cause for concern. Unlit areas, particularly those near abandoned or vacant spaces, have reportedly become hotspots for drug consumption.
Residents claim that the presence of miscreants in such areas makes them feel unsafe, particularly after dark. “There are groups of young men who gather in these areas and engage in suspicious activities. The police need to keep a close watch,” said a resident from Six Mile.
The issue has prompted locals to demand increased police patrolling, particularly in sensitive zones. The involvement of community policing and awareness campaigns has also been suggested as a preventive measure.
Ward 60 has an Urban Healthcare Centre in Batahguli, which caters to the medical needs of the residents. Fortunately, as of now, no major outbreaks or common diseases have been reported in the ward.
However, with seasonal changes and the persistent waterlogging problem, there is a looming risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Residents have urged the authorities to take preventive steps before the situation escalates.
Despite the challenges, Ward 60 holds immense potential for improvement if the issues are addressed systematically. The timely allocation of funds for road repairs, faster execution of street light installation, and the initiation of the water supply project could significantly enhance the living conditions in the ward.
Additionally, long-term solutions for drainage, measures to prevent landslides, and stricter monitoring of unauthorised construction are crucial to ensuring sustainable development. With coordinated efforts from GMC, PWD, GJB, and law enforcement agencies, Ward 60 can overcome its civic hurdles and provide a safer, better living environment for its residents.
