Guwahati's Ongoing Civic Challenges as 2026 Approaches

Persistent Civic Issues in Guwahati

As Guwahati transitions into 2026, the city continues to grapple with longstanding civic issues that remain unresolved. For the residents, the year 2025 did not bring the anticipated improvements, as familiar challenges continued to disrupt daily life.

Artificial flooding has once again paralyzed neighborhoods following brief rain showers. Accumulated waste in streets and clogged drains has become a common sight. The roads are riddled with potholes, making them hazardous for commuters. These are not new problems; they are persistent civic failures that have carried over into yet another year.

Throughout 2025, the government announced various initiatives aimed at addressing flooding, waste management, road repairs, and air quality. However, many residents felt that the disparity between policy declarations and the actual conditions on the ground has only widened.

As the city prepares for 2026, this retrospective highlights four critical issues that Guwahatians hoped to overcome in 2025 but could not.

Ongoing Urban Flooding

Urban flooding reemerged in 2025, inundating homes and disrupting livelihoods, further highlighting the vulnerability of Guwahati's drainage infrastructure.

The reduction of wetlands, clogged drains, and ineffective short-term solutions have failed to provide lasting relief. The monsoon season saw flooding follow a predictable pattern, raising concerns that structural solutions remain unaddressed.

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah visited several flood-prone areas, including Rukminigaon, in June to assess the situation. He was joined by officials from the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and local council members.

During his visit, the Minister announced that a major drainage canal was under construction to redirect excess water from vulnerable areas. "Guwahati is an unplanned city. Every year it faces worsening waterlogging and flash floods. While completely stopping the flow of water is nearly impossible, we are working to channel it effectively," Mallabaruah stated.

Waste Management Challenges

Waste management remained a significant issue throughout 2025. Overflowing garbage bins, drains filled with plastic, and poorly managed dumping sites continued to plague various parts of the city. Despite awareness campaigns and repeated advisories, waste segregation at the source remained minimal, leaving many residents frustrated with uncollected garbage.

In response to the ongoing issue, Mallabaruah urged local MLAs to identify appropriate sites for garbage processing or waste treatment plants within their constituencies. Government data indicates that the Belortol landfill receives approximately 400 to 500 metric tonnes of waste daily, yet only about 150 metric tonnes is processed.

In March, the Minister informed the Assembly that the West Boragaon dumping site had been relocated to Belortol in 2021 following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He expressed the government's goal to completely clear the West Boragaon site by 2026 to alleviate pollution in the nearby Deepor Beel.

Previous attempts to move the dumping site to Chandrapur were unsuccessful due to local opposition. "People from other areas will not accept the city's waste. We must find a solution here," Mallabaruah remarked.

Unsafe Road Conditions

For commuters, 2025 was characterized by poorly maintained roads, potholes, and traffic congestion. While some flyovers progressed, the conditions at street level remained dire. Frequent excavations and lack of coordination left many roads in a constant state of disrepair.

Open drains became a prominent hazard on Guwahati's streets. With damaged or missing footpaths, pedestrians often found themselves navigating dangerously close to uncovered drains. This posed significant risks for senior citizens, children, and individuals with disabilities.

In September, a tragic incident occurred when a three-year-old child fell into an open drain near Vivekananda School in Kalapahar. He was rescued nearly three hours later but was declared dead upon arrival at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The child's family blamed civic authorities for the negligence, claiming the drain was improperly covered.

This incident echoed a similar tragedy from July 2024, when an eight-year-old boy was swept away by floodwaters in an open drain, igniting public outrage. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the ongoing gaps in road safety and accountability.

Rising Air Pollution Concerns

Air pollution emerged as a growing concern in 2025, driven by an increase in vehicle numbers and ongoing construction activities. A report prepared in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation estimated that Guwahati emits a total of 1,071 tonnes of PM10 annually.

Road and construction dust accounted for 37% of PM10 emissions, with industries contributing 25% and road transport 21%. For finer PM2.5 particles, road transport was responsible for 52% of total emissions.

The report highlighted widespread non-compliance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dust-control regulations, citing uncovered construction sites and inadequate barricading. In response, the Assam Pollution Control Board partnered with iForest to launch the "Guwahati Clean Air Plan," which was unveiled on December 17.

Looking Forward to 2026

Despite the ongoing challenges, daily life in Guwahati continued throughout 2025. As floodwaters receded, markets reopened, and residents undertook repairs on their homes, often multiple times.

As the city looks toward 2026, critical questions linger. Will the upcoming year bring progress on essential civic needs such as drainage, road safety, waste management, air quality, and pedestrian safety? For residents, meaningful change will only be evident in a city where daily life becomes safer and more predictable.