Staff reporter
Guwahati: Residents of Ward 42, which encompasses the bustling areas of Hatigaon, Sijubari, and Notboma, are grappling with mounting civic issues that have remained unaddressed for years. With a population of nearly 20,000 and around 18,000 registered voters, the ward’s crumbling infrastructure and neglected public services have left locals prompting residents to demand immediate action from the authorities.
Residents of the area said that a glaring example of the neglect is the road connecting Notboma to Hatigaon Chariali. Deemed a non-main road by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), it remains excluded from regular sanitation services. Piles of garbage along the stretch have created unhygienic conditions, affecting daily commuters and local residents alike. A local resident said, “We have complained multiple times, but nothing has been done. The area is becoming unlivable.”
The lack of functional streetlights in the ward has turned poorly lit areas into hotspots for illegal activities, including drug abuse and gambling. Many residents reported feeling unsafe, especially at night, as these areas attract miscreants. While locals believe that repairing streetlights and increasing police patrols could curb the rise in crime, such measures have been implemented inconsistently.
While some roads and drains in the ward are undergoing restoration, there is no clear timeline for the completion of these projects. The slow pace of work has left residents sceptical about any significant improvements. Poor road conditions and incomplete drainage systems exacerbate problems such as waterlogging during the monsoon, adding to the residents’ frustrations.
Moreover, adding to the residents’ woes is the erratic water supply in Hatigaon and Sijubari. Many households are forced to rely on water tankers or borewells, incurring additional financial burdens.
A local resident of the Hatigaon area said, “I have lived here for over a decade, and the water supply issue has been a constant struggle. We are tired of complaining, but nothing changes.”
The residents are frustrated with the neglect; residents of Ward 42 are demanding immediate and sustainable solutions. Their key demands include regular maintenance of streetlights to enhance safety. An efficient garbage disposal system to improve sanitation. Timely completion of ongoing road and drainage restoration projects. A consistent water supply for all households.
Above all, residents want their voices to be heard. As one resident said, “We are tired of being ignored. It’s time for the authorities to take us seriously and address our concerns.”
Also Read: Guwahati: Dilapidated condition of Hatigaon Chariali-Sijubari Chariali road
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