Poor garbage infrastructure: Citizens claim Guwahati Municipal Corporation overlooks problems

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Even though the government has taken various measures to solve the problem, like unattended garbage and overflowed drains, sewer problems still remain the same. The new way, like QR codes, which the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has initiated to use for the collection of waste from households in the city, is still a matter of concern for the residents.

Again, the foul smell of the garbage left open on the streets is another negative outcome, where there is no escape as the odour lingers in the air, which becomes a source of frustration. The situation is exacerbated by the practice of dumping garbage on roadsides, with the waste often left unattended for days. The absence of cleaners in the neighbourhood also becomes a problem, as they do not come every day to collect the garbage, and those plastics make the environment dirty. And if those garbage packets are left unattended, there are days when the whiff cannot be tolerated, affecting the quality of the air. The GMC seems to ignore the cleanliness of the city, providing citizens with limited options. Complaints include garbage dumped on roadsides for extended periods without regular sweeping. Responding to one complaint, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania said, “We try our best to make sure that our environment is clean and run daily cleanup drives. We discussed various cleaning methods in December. We have also discussed that we will assist NGOs to collect garbage for every ward, and if not done properly, fines will be imposed.”

According to one resident, “We have filed complaints several times when the garbage is left unattended, prompting foul smells. There is a scarcity of dustbins, which is another issue that every individual faces here. The whole neighbour relies on one dustbin for nearby areas too, which causes overflowing of the waste.”

Another said, “If dustbins are left unattended, then our locality becomes a garbage dump.”

A resident of the Dighalipukhuri area said, “As our area is quite green, but after the leftover or the waste emitted from the food court areas, it becomes very dirty. One cannot jog or walk in the morning hours because of the foul smell emitted from the leftovers.”

“Already, there is so much construction going on that obstructs pedestrians, and these unwanted garbage and sewers are adding up to more,” another added. Another resident highlighted, “I have noticed the waste piling up again, even after they clean it up temporarily.”

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