Guwahati: Dighalipukhuri in Peril; Historic Lake Suffocates under Pollution

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Once a serene jewel in the heart of Assam’s capital, Dighalipukhuri now stands as a grim symbol of urban apathy, choked by plastic waste, murky waters, and a tangle of administrative confusion.

The historic lake, long celebrated for its cultural heritage and lush surroundings, has undergone a drastic transformation. Today, the site that once hosted boat rides, leisurely strolls, and vibrant community life now reeks of decay. The surface of the lake is punctuated with floating carcasses of dead fish, and the air is heavy with the stench of burning waste and stagnant water.

Plastic bottles, wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste lie scattered along the banks despite bamboo dustbins placed at regular intervals. Many residents believe the situation is reaching a point of no return.

Locals recall a time when the lake thrived with aquatic life and recreational activity. “They have murdered Dighalipukhuri,” said a resident. “I remember when people came to do fishing here. Now, the fish die before they can be caught.”

Desperate to salvage the lake’s health, residents have begun community-driven cleanup initiatives. “Every Sunday, we remove as much plastic as we can,” said a volunteer involved in the clean-up drive. “During our first effort in November 2024, we collected nearly 1,000 kilograms of plastic. But without institutional support, it feels like an endless battle.”

While citizens step in to do their part, public agencies continue to pass the buck. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) claims Dighalipukhuri lies outside its jurisdiction. “We only handle garbage outside the premises,” said a GMC official. “The lake and park are not under our purview.”

The Assam Tourism Department, which oversees the site, says efforts are underway to improve conditions. “A monitoring tender will be issued soon,” said an official. “We are trying our best to maintain the lake.” But such assurances do little to quell public skepticism.

“There is a clear disconnect between government departments,” said a student from Cotton University. “Tourism projects are being developed rapidly, but where is the ecological vision? Where is the biodiversity conservation plan?”

Critics point out glaring inconsistencies in the current approach. Plastic bottles continue to be sold openly at the lake’s entrance, even as authorities urge visitors to keep the premises clean.

“Unless plastic is completely banned in this area, how can we expect real change?” questioned a student from Handique Girls’ College. “The message is contradictory, and visitors are confused about what’s actually allowed.”

Amid the rising tension, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has greenlit a beautification project. Part of this initiative includes constructing a new boundary wall around the lake premises. While officials have promised that the structure will not block the scenic view, many fear it could have unintended consequences.

“We opposed the wall from the beginning,” said a local resident. “Once it’s enclosed, how will we know what’s going on inside? It reduces public oversight. This isn’t beautification—it’s concealment.”

Dighalipukhuri is more than just a water body—it is a living archive of Guwahati’s heritage and a vital ecological zone in the urban landscape. For generations, it has been a space of community, culture, and natural beauty. But today, it teeters on the edge of irreversible degradation.  

 Also Read: Guwahati: Walls Around Dighalipukhuri Park Raises Concern Among Residents

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