Assam: Strictures from AHRC on controlling dust at flyover construction site

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Strict instructions were issued by the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to the state PWD regarding dust control at the ongoing construction site of the Guwahati Club-Bamunimaidan four-lane flyover.

The instructions were passed by the AHRC after hearing a suo moto case filed on the basis of public complaints about the problem of dust and inconvenience caused to the public at large. During the hearing, the Commission expressed concern at the PWD and district administration’s failure to take proper measures to control the dust during the construction of the flyover. Given the gravity of the situation, the Commission, in the presence of all stakeholders, instructed the PWD engineers that the GNB Road and MRD Road must be regularly watered to suppress dust caused by the flyover construction, at least three times daily on a dry day. Further, that all pillars must be cemented up to a minimum of 5 feet without further delay. Following this, all residual soil and debris between the pillars must be removed immediately to maintain a clean and accessible environment, the Commission stated.

The Commission also said, “Any further neglect or delay will result in serious repercussions for the responsible officers and contractors. The government must take immediate and decisive action to enforce these measures and ensure compliance without excuses.”

The Commission said the primary goal of these directives is to mitigate environmental pollution from the designated areas, thereby indirectly supporting the livelihood of small and medium-scale vendors. “It is deeply disappointing that despite the simplicity of these measures, the responsible parties have failed to act. Addressing these concerns requires minimal effort, yet the negligence displayed is unacceptable. The Chief Minister cannot be expected to personally oversee every minor issue; it is the duty of the administration to act with competence and accountability. It is imperative that both government officials and contractors strictly adhere to environmental and construction regulations set by various tribunals and commissions,” the Commission stated.

The foundation stone of the approximately 5 km-long flyover, from the Guwahati Club rotary to Bamunimaidan, was laid on January 1, 2024. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 852 crore.

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