Dighalipukhuri, a historical water body in the heart of Guwahati, has lost much of its charm due to unchecked pollution and waste disposal
Once a symbol of serenity and history, Dighalipukhuri now struggles under the weight of neglect, plastic waste, and pollution. Locals and environmentalists accuse the Assam Tourism Department of failing to protect one of Guwahati’s most treasured landmarks. The once-pristine water body has become a dumping ground for plastic, and its ecosystem appears to be collapsing.
Dighalipukhuri, a historical water body in the heart of Guwahati, has lost much of its charm due to unchecked pollution and waste disposal. Residents recall a time when its waters were crystal clear, mirroring the sky above. Today, it stands murky and lifeless, with plastic waste floating along its banks.
Talking to GPlus, Milin Dutta, an active participant in the Dighalipukhuri cleanup drive said, “Every Sunday, we gather to remove plastic waste from the lake. Our first cleanup drive in November 2024 yielded nearly 950 kg of plastic waste. Despite our efforts, the problem persists. There are designated bamboo bins, yet visitors continue to litter irresponsibly. We need greater citizen participation to keep Dighalipukhuri clean,” he told GPlus.
Long-time residents, who have witnessed Dighalipukhuri’s decline, express their dismay. Fatima Gulbadan, who has lived near the lake for over 60 years, lamented the environmental destruction. “I have seen plastic waste being burned right inside the park, creating a cloud of pollution. When I was young, the water was so clear that we could see our reflections. Now, it is murky and lifeless. They have murdered Dighalipukhuri. We try to clean it because we respect Mother Nature, but the authorities seem indifferent. Earlier, fishing was common here, but now we find dead fish floating in the water. The War Memorial is important, but should it come at the cost of destroying a natural treasure?” she questioned.
Several concerned citizens have initiated efforts to study the deteriorating condition of the lake. Jayatu Bhuyan, another volunteer, explained the urgency of their mission. “We decided to use drones to check for signs of aquatic life. While we couldn’t conduct a full-scale research project, our findings from one grid painted a bleak picture—no fish were visible. This suggests a serious ecological imbalance,” he noted.
Guwahati’s Bicycle Mayor Arshel Akhtar says Dighalipukhuri holds both historical and environmental significance, not just for the surrounding area but for the entire city. Its banks are home to a diverse range of trees, providing habitat for various bird species. Sadly, the fish population has significantly declined due to deteriorating water quality. Many city residents have deep personal connections and life experiences tied to this water body.
“Dighalipukhuri definitely has potential for tourism and recreational activities, which has been explored to some extent, and the concerned government agencies are working to improve its commercial viability. However, these interventions should not be pursued in isolation, as the conservation of the pond, its biodiversity, and its long-term sustainability must be prioritised. Enhancing its potential should be done through community participation, engagement, and by the adoption of nature-based solutions, “ he told the GPlus.
Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of coordination among different government agencies, and citizen involvement remains minimal—something a few of us have been actively trying to address every Sunday morning since November 2024 by cleaning the park. Addressing these issues urgently is essential to restoring Dighalipukhuri and realising its full potential, he said.
Talking to GPlus, another resident in Dighalipukhuri raised another crucial point, questioning the administration’s policies. “Why is plastic waste still allowed inside Dighalipukhuri? At the entrance, vendors sell bottled water in single-use plastic containers. How can we expect visitors to stop littering when authorities themselves promote plastic use? Instead of cosmetic changes, we need a complete ban on plastic here,” he said.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), which oversees waste management in the city, clarified its limited role in the lake’s upkeep. A senior GMC official told GPlus, “Dighalipukhuri Park and the water body itself are not under our jurisdiction. However, we do clear garbage when it is dumped outside the premises. NGOs have been allotted for cleanup efforts, but without Assam Tourism Department’s permission, we cannot intervene regularly.”
Meanwhile, the Assam Tourism Department claimed that steps were being taken to address the situation. “A tender for monitoring Dighalipukhuri will be given to an agency soon. We are trying our best to maintain the lake,” said an official from the department.
Even as pollution remains a key concern, residents are now worried about the impact of the ongoing boundary wall renovation. Many fear that once the walls are fully set up, proper monitoring of Dighalipukhuri’s condition will become even more difficult.
A resident in Dighalipukhuri talking to GPlus said, “We are already struggling with pollution. If these walls completely enclose Dighalipukhuri, how will we keep track of what’s happening inside? Will authorities just wash their hands of responsibility? We opposed the construction for this reason at first."
While concerns over pollution persist, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has assured that the ongoing boundary wall renovation will not obstruct the view of Dighalipukhuri. The beautification project, expected to be completed by the end of the year, aims to balance aesthetics with heritage conservation.
Initially, many residents voiced strong opposition, fearing the boundary wall would cut off the natural beauty of the lake. However, the ATDC later clarified that the renovation would include artistic murals along with open railings, ensuring an unobstructed view while adding historical value to the site.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the Assam Tourism Development Corporation addressed the delays in the project. “The work could have started earlier, but debates over the proposed flyover extending to the Reserve Bank caused a setback. When the project faced opposition, the Chief Minister decided against extending the flyover, which led to some delays. However, following discussions with the PWD, we have now started the renovation, and we expect to complete it by the end of this year.”
Explaining the new design, the official added, “The renovated boundary will primarily feature open grills, with mural art panels placed every 15 to 18 meters. These murals will illustrate Assam’s rich history and heritage, giving visitors—especially those from outside the state—a deeper appreciation of Dighalipukhuri’s historical significance.”
Despite official assurances, local activists remain skeptical. Without consistent monitoring, they fear the lake’s condition will continue to worsen. Environmentalists stress that cleanup efforts should be paired with stricter regulations on waste disposal and pollution control.
“If we don’t act now, Dighalipukhuri will become just another dead water body,” warned a resident in Dighalipukhuri. “We need active government intervention, but more importantly, we need responsible citizens. If every visitor respects the space and follows waste disposal rules, we can bring back the Dighalipukhuri we once knew.”
Further investigation into the situation reveals gaps in administrative responsibility. Officials from the Tourism Department insist that maintenance is a priority, yet locals say there has been little action beyond empty promises. There is also confusion over jurisdiction, as multiple agencies claim limited authority over Dighalipukhuri.
Local activists argue that waste disposal rules should be enforced strictly. “We need a solid waste management plan,” said an environmentalist working on the cleanup drive. “If strict penalties are imposed for littering, people will think twice before dumping waste here. Also, why aren’t there permanent guards stationed to monitor pollution?”
Adding to the woes, seasonal flooding from nearby areas brings additional waste into the lake. “Drainage inlets near the War Memorial bring in pollutants,” said a local shopkeeper. “Without proper maintenance, the water quality will continue to degrade.”
Dighalipukhuri is more than just a lake; it is a historical landmark, a symbol of Guwahati’s heritage. If immediate action is not taken, it risks becoming yet another victim of urban neglect. The question remains—will the government wake up in time, or will the people have to fight harder to reclaim what was once theirs?
