Storms Pose Threat To Safety At Guwahati’s Construction Sites

GUWAHATI: Guwahati experienced a storm followed by rainfall today, offering relief to its residents from the sweltering heat. However, while the rain brought comfort, the storm proved to be a cause for concern, particularly for commuters navigating the city's numerous construction sites.

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The city is undergoing significant infrastructural development, with various construction projects in progress, including the flyover at Rukmininagar, road expansions from Cycle Factory to Lal Ganesh, and from Ambari to Noonmati. Additionally, large-scale projects such as the construction of the integrated directorate, Unity Mall, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) office at Bhetkuchi, and the District Commissioner’s office at Rupnagar are all underway.

When the storm struck for approximately 15 minutes, commuters faced alarming situations while passing these sites. Several individuals expressed their fears regarding the hazards posed by the construction zones during extreme weather conditions.

A commuter near Lal Ganesh, speaking to GPlus, described a frightening moment when two to three tin sheets used as site barriers were blown away by strong winds. Fortunately, the falling boards did not hit any vehicles or pedestrians, averting a potential accident. “It was terrifying to witness the barriers collapsing due to the storm. We were lucky no one was injured,” he remarked, emphasizing the dangers these sites pose during inclement weather.

Another commuter, a two-wheeler rider traveling along Rajiv Gandhi Path (from Jyotikuchi Tiniali to Maniram Dewan Trade Centre), reported a different challenge. He described how the construction work in the area led to an intense dust storm when the winds picked up. “Visibility on the road became poor due to the dust rising from the construction sites, making it extremely risky for vehicles,” he said.

Similar concerns were echoed by those traveling through Rukmininagar and Chanmari, who agreed that construction zones become highly vulnerable to mishaps during storms.

A senior official from the Public Works Department (PWD)-Roads addressed these concerns, stating that contractors are instructed to exercise extra caution, especially during storms. He noted that construction work is typically carried out at night to minimize risks to commuters. However, he was unaware of the reported incident involving fallen tin boards.

While no major accidents were reported today, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking at construction sites during storms. Ensuring stricter safety measures and proactive precautions can help prevent future mishaps, reinforcing the age-old adage that prevention is better than cure.