Residents demand urgent civic action
Staff reporter
Guwahati: What was once hailed as a promising solution to ease traffic and prevent water-logging in Rukminigaon has quickly turned into a source of daily hardship for residents, shopkeepers, and commuters. The ongoing construction of the flyover, instead of providing relief, has worsened the situation, especially with the monsoon approaching.
Last year’s flash floods left a lasting impact, but despite repeated promises from authorities, little progress has been made. Temporary drain-clearing efforts have failed to keep roads free from muck and blockages, forcing locals to navigate hazardous, muddy conditions.
A local college student shared the daily struggle said, “It’s a gamble every day, dust one moment, muddy slush the next. Where is the progress?” The stretch is marred by potholes, exposed construction rods, open drains, and no safe pedestrian paths, putting people at constant risk.
Shopkeepers face regular losses as even light rain floods their verandas, driving away customers and delaying deliveries. The scattered construction materials block road space during peak hours, while poorly managed traffic diversions add to the chaos.
Residents worry that the incomplete flyover foundation, with dug-up under-structures, will become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and a sanitation hazard as stagnant water accumulates. Despite official claims of de-silting drives, locals say efforts are patchy and ineffective, with silt returning after every rainfall.
Urban planners criticize the lack of proactive monsoon preparedness and call for a more comprehensive approach to infrastructure in Guwahati, a city vulnerable to flooding.
Also Read: Residents express frustration over flyover construction in Rukminigaon, Guwahati
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