Guwahati’s Ward No. 24, which encompasses areas such as Betkuchi, Ahom Gaon, Lalung Gaon, Garaliya, Dakhin Gaon, and Saukuchi, is home to approximately 30,000 residents. Despite its size and a voter base of around 9,000, the ward continues to struggle with several civic issues, the most pressing being the lack of reliable drinking water supply.
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Although the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) has initiated projects to address the water crisis, residents still rely heavily on borewells or purchase water from private carriers. Councillor Biju Medhi, speaking to GPlus, acknowledged the severity of the issue, but took solace in the ongoing infrastructure work.
“The JICA-aided project has been started here, but supply is supposed to start from around August,” Medhi stated. However, with no guarantees regarding its functionality, the daily struggle for potable water remains an unavoidable reality for many households.
For a basic necessity such as drinking water, residents of Ward 24 have had to adopt alternative solutions, including borewells and purchasing water from private suppliers. While borewells provide temporary relief, they come with their own set of challenges, such as maintenance costs and the depletion of groundwater levels. On the other hand, buying water is an additional financial burden on families, especially for those with lower incomes.
“The situation is such that we have no choice but to buy water. Sometimes, even private suppliers fail to deliver on time, leaving us high and dry,” said a resident.
The delays in functional water supply have led to growing frustration among the residents, many of whom feel abandoned by the authorities. While infrastructure work is underway, there is no clarity on whether it will meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.
Another major issue plaguing the ward is the incomplete road network. Out of the 200 proposed roads, more than 60 have been completed, while work is in progress for another 45. However, the status of the remaining roads remains uncertain.
Despite some progress, large sections of the ward still lack proper roads, creating difficulties for daily commuters and motorists alike. Uneven, unpaved roads lead to accidents and vehicle damage, while monsoon rain further deteriorates the situation by turning them into muddy, waterlogged paths.
“The roads that have been built are good, but many areas are still waiting. There are places where the work was started, but has been abandoned midway, which is frustrating,” said another resident from Lalung Gaon.
While the councillor acknowledges the need for better roads, there is no fixed timeline for the completion of the remaining projects, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty.
A glimmer of progress can be seen in the ward’s main roads, which are well-lit, offering a sense of security to pedestrians and motorists. However, bylanes and inner roads remain in darkness, posing safety concerns for residents.
“The main roads are installed with lights, and the bylanes are in progress,” said Medhi.
Yet, with no tentative completion date in sight, the unlit bylanes continue to be a risk, especially for women, children, and the elderly. Residents report incidents of petty theft and uneasy encounters due to the lack of street lighting.
“In some lanes, it gets pitch dark at night. We avoid walking alone or taking certain shortcuts because of safety concerns,” said a resident from Dakhin Gaon.
With burglary cases previously reported in the ward, proper street lighting is more than just a matter of convenience—it is a necessity for public safety.
Despite efforts to ensure proper waste management, garbage disposal remains a persistent problem in Ward 24. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has implemented a system where garbage collection vehicles, operated by NGOs, collect waste from households. However, residents often dump their garbage near dustbins rather than waiting for collection vehicles.
“Many leave the garbage near dustbins as they are often in a hurry to reach work on time,” Medhi admitted.
Currently, around 70% of the ward is covered by garbage collection services, but the problem continues, highlighting the need for better waste management solutions. Stray animals and open dumping further worsen the situation, leading to hygiene concerns.
Drainage issues remain another concern for residents. While the councillor claims that drains are cleared regularly on an area-wise basis, obstructions caused by residents filling up their lands have led to blockages.
“Before every monsoon season, we organise an awareness drive. But, there are some elements that are least bothered,” Medhi stated.
However, many residents argue that regular maintenance is insufficient, especially during the monsoon, when waterlogging becomes a major problem. Unchecked encroachments further increase the drainage issue, leading to backflow of water into residential areas.
So far, the Public Works Department (PWD) and GMC have sanctioned Rs. 5 crore and Rs.1 crore, respectively, for development projects in Ward 24. However, given the scale of the challenges, these funds may not be enough to address all infrastructural gaps effectively.
With road construction still incomplete, water supply uncertain, and garbage disposal an ongoing concern, residents feel that much more needs to be done to bring lasting improvements.
Ward 24 falls under the jurisdiction of two police stations—Basistha and Gorchuk. While major crimes are rare, incidents of petty theft and burglary have been reported in the past. Illegal liquor sales and gambling remain concerns, with public complaints prompting occasional police action.
Residents, however, believe that stronger policing is needed, especially in the unlit bylanes where miscreants often take advantage of the darkness.
“We hear about incidents of chain snatching and mobile theft from time to time. The police do respond, but a more visible presence could help prevent such crimes,” said a shopkeeper in Betkuchi.
While the ward does not face significant outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, seasonal illnesses remain a challenge. The Lokhra health dispensary caters to emergencies, but many residents prefer seeking treatment at private clinics due to perceived delays in government healthcare services.
During monsoons, waterborne diseases tend to rise due to stagnant water and improper drainage, further underlining the need for better sanitation and public health awareness.
Despite ongoing efforts, Ward 24 continues to struggle with basic amenities, particularly access to clean drinking water and proper roads. While development work is in progress, a clear roadmap and commitment from the authorities are still lacking.
With residents demanding tangible results and not just promises, the pressure is on for the administration to deliver. Until then, the people of Ward 24 can only hope that their long-pending civic issues are resolved sooner rather than later.
