Guwahati: City Residents Grapple with Uncleared Silt

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a stark contrast to the promises made under the “Mission Flood Free 2025” campaign, residents across key localities of Kamrup (Metro) district — including Beltola, Hatigaon, and Kahilipara — continue to grapple with heaps of uncleared silt days after drain desilting work was carried out. This blatant disregard of a recent directive from the District Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has triggered public outrage and raised questions about accountability and enforcement.

The directive, issued with immediate effect, clearly mandates the removal of silt within two hours of desilting operations, failing which legal consequences would be invoked under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. However, ground reports suggest that the order has done little to change the status quo.

In Hatigaon, where desilting was completed recently, the extracted sludge remains piled along footpaths, emitting foul odours and forcing pedestrians to navigate hazardous walkways. “It’s like moving the problem from one spot to another,” said a resident. “Children and elderly people are walking through muck every day. What kind of planning is this?”

Beltola tells a similar story. Local residents have complained that the heaps of waste left unattended are not only eyesores but also potential breeding grounds for disease. “They cleaned the drains, yes — but the waste is still lying here,” said a resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We read about the new order, but there’s no clarity on who to contact if it isn’t followed. No hotline, no grievance cell.”

The DDMA’s intent was to bring greater efficiency and accountability in the run-up to the monsoon, a season notorious for severe waterlogging in Guwahati. Yet, residents argue the administration’s actions fall far short of the rhetoric. “Instead of empowering communities, the administration has just passed the buck,” said a concerned citizen. “Departments are clearly taking advantage of this vacuum in oversight.”

Despite the legal weight behind the order, enforcement appears to be missing. Critics say that unless the district administration follows through with penalties or ensures dedicated grievance mechanisms, such directives remain on paper with little impact on the ground.

As monsoon clouds gather over the city, citizens fear that without urgent corrective action, Guwahati will once again be submerged — not just in floodwaters, but in administrative apathy.

 Also Read: Kamrup Directive: Rapid Silt Removal Crucial for Drain Efficiency

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