Staff reporter
Guwahati: In recent years, several wards across Guwahati particularly localities such as Sundarpur, Manik Nagar, Shree Nagar, Hatigaon, Beltola, Nayanpur, and Nursery have witnessed visible strides in infrastructure development. Road improvements and the gradual rollout of piped water supply under the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) have been welcomed by many. However, residents say the day-to-day realities of urban life paint a more complicated picture, marked by lapses in basic amenities, public safety issues, and growing social concerns.
Despite claims that nearly 90 percent of road construction and repairs have been completed in these neighbourhoods, the lived experiences of residents suggest that civic development has not kept pace with community needs. From non-functional streetlights to inconsistent water supply, the gaps in urban planning are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
A recurring grievance among residents is the poor condition of street lighting. While some arterial roads boast working lights, many inner lanes particularly in areas like Nayanpur and Beltola remain dangerously dark after sunset.
“Only about half the streets have functioning lights,” said a Beltola resident. “In places like Nayanpur, it’s completely dark once the sun sets. You can’t let your children out to play, nor is it safe to run small errands after dusk.”
Citizens have repeatedly appealed to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to prioritize the installation and maintenance of streetlights, especially in densely populated and vulnerable areas. Despite assurances from the authorities, progress has been sluggish.
The city-wide expansion of the GJB’s piped water network has started to reach some households in localities like Nursery and Hatigaon. However, the rollout has been inconsistent, and technical issues plague several areas.
“In Nayanpur, we’ve experienced pipe bursts and dirty, muddy water during the rains. When we call for repairs, the response is delayed,” shared a resident. “We appreciate the infrastructure, but it needs proper management and accountability.”
Even as the city expands, the lack of primary healthcare facilities remains a persistent challenge. In these fast-growing neighborhoods, there is no dedicated primary health centre. Most residents are forced to seek treatment at the government hospital in Hengrabari, which is both overcrowded and located at a considerable distance for many.
“For elderly people and children, this is a major concern,” said a Manik Nagar resident. “In emergencies, the travel time alone can be risky.”
Perhaps the most alarming issue emerging across these areas is the rise in substance abuse among local youth. Though no official data exists, anecdotal evidence from community members suggests that secluded corners of Sundarpur and Nayanpur have become hotspots for drug use.
“It’s a silent epidemic,” warned a retired schoolteacher. “People are afraid to talk about it openly or approach the police.”
While the Dispur Police Station has stepped up patrols in certain sensitive locations, residents argue that law enforcement alone is not enough. Local social workers are calling for a multipronged approach that includes recreational programs, vocational training, and the establishment of de-addiction centres.
“There are no parks, playgrounds, or community halls where young people can spend their time productively,” said a concerned parent. “That vacuum leads to dangerous alternatives.”
In the Nursery area, a garbage transfer station situated uncomfortably close to residential buildings and a school has become a flashpoint of anger. Residents complain about the unbearable stench, unsanitary conditions, and an increase in mosquito-borne diseases, especially during the monsoon.
“It’s unhygienic and unsafe, especially for children,” said one resident. “We’ve filed multiple complaints with the GMC, and even attended a public meeting earlier this year. But no concrete timeline has been given to shift or upgrade the facility.”
Across these diverse yet interconnected localities of Guwahati, the common refrain is one of cautious hope mixed with frustration. While physical infrastructure like roads and pipelines continue to take shape, residents are calling for a more holistic approach to development one that includes safety, health, environment, and community well-being.
“Our neighbourhoods are changing fast. But development cannot just mean roads and pipes,” said a local youth leader. “It must also mean clean surroundings, safe streets, places to grow and play, and a responsive civic system that listens to us.”
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