Offenders on the prowl in city streets after dusk!

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: As dusk descends on Guwahati, a creeping unease sets in for many of the city’s women—a silent, persistent fear that turns even the most familiar roads into zones of anxiety. Despite Guwahati’s status as Assam’s commercial and administrative heart, women across the city say the streets remain unsafe after dark, and their concerns are going unheard.

“After 8 p.m., the streets begin to feel desolate and perilous. Most of us simply do not feel secure,” said a resident of Guwahati Club. Like many others, she avoids venturing out alone at night unless absolutely necessary.

For women in areas like Silpukhuri and Christian Basti, this fear is not abstract. It’s rooted in lived experiences. “Many of my friends have faced attempted harassment during their daily commute,” said a young woman from Silpukhuri. Recounting a particularly disturbing incident, she shared, “There was a time when a man started behaving inappropriately while I was returning from the bus stop. I froze in fear. Luckily, a passerby intervened. Without that timely help, it could’ve ended very differently.”

While the city is equipped with CCTV cameras, many residents claim these are of little practical use. “Most of the cameras are either non-functional or poorly maintained,” said a resident of Christian Basti. “Even when working, they rarely help in real-time intervention. Their presence feels more symbolic than effective.” 

There is also a growing call for visible public messaging to deter potential offenders and reinforce a culture of accountability. “Proactive awareness campaigns and warnings against harassment in public places could make a difference,” the Christian Basti resident added. “But sadly, we don’t see such efforts in Guwahati.”

With rising urbanization and population growth, the demand for gender-sensitive infrastructure, better policing, and active community engagement has become more urgent than ever. Women across Guwahati are now calling for not just reactive policing but a preventive approach to safety—one that allows them to reclaim their right to move freely and fearlessly in their own city. As city officials continue to focus on infrastructure and development, residents hope that women’s safety will no longer remain an afterthought but a priority.

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