Guwahati's Annual Flooding Crisis: A Call for Civic Responsibility

The Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Guwahati

On May 30, Guwahati experienced severe rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. Streets transformed into rivers, homes were inundated with mud, and daily life came to a halt. Social media was flooded with images of commuters stranded in knee-deep water, prompting urgent questions about the city's recurring flooding issues. Why does Guwahati face such annual deluges? Where is the local government? What actions is the Municipal Corporation taking?

The Role of Civic Negligence

While the government is under fire for poor infrastructure, clogged drains, and years of inadequate planning, there is another factor at play—our own actions.

Each year, the drainage system is overwhelmed not only by rain but also by a continuous influx of domestic waste, plastic, and litter carelessly discarded into drains and waterways. This irresponsible behavior highlights a troubling lack of civic duty that is increasingly hindering the city's ability to manage rainfall.

Voices from the Community

Bibha Tamuly, a local resident, shared her thoughts on the ongoing water-logging dilemma. "People are quick to blame the government, but they seldom reflect on their own actions. The floods are not solely due to administrative failures; our neglect of the environment plays a significant role," she stated.

Deepti Malakar, another resident, expressed frustration over a concerning trend she has observed. "I’ve seen homes built over drainage systems. When it rains, where does the water go?" she questioned.

Malakar emphasized that while the government has its flaws, citizens must also take responsibility. "We can criticize the Municipal Corporation endlessly, but the root of the problem lies with us. Until we commit to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, no administration can save us," she asserted.

Ineffective Waste Management Initiatives

Despite the Municipal Corporation's efforts to promote waste segregation with color-coded bins, resident Sweety Das noted that many people continue to litter without concern.

Ramen Haloi pointed out that local markets along the banks of the once-thriving Bharalu River contribute significantly to plastic waste, which clogs drainage systems. He remarked that the nets installed to filter waste have proven ineffective.

"Once, we caught fish in the Bharalu River. Now, it’s a joke that it’s just a drain. The community has polluted this river. What good are the nets if we don’t cultivate civic responsibility?" Haloi lamented.

On-the-Ground Observations

Suruj Jamal, a Municipal Corporation worker, was seen picking up litter in Kamarpatty. He expressed his frustration, stating that advising people against littering is futile.

"No matter what you say, people will continue to throw their garbage on the streets. We clean designated areas at night, only to find them littered again by morning," Jamal explained.

Another worker, Sohidul Islam, echoed this sentiment, noting that he often cleans the same spots multiple times a day. "The litter in this city seems endless," he remarked.

Health Concerns and Civic Responsibility

Tamuly voiced her concerns for the health of Municipal Corporation workers who handle the city's waste. "They are constantly exposed to harmful substances, which can adversely affect their health," she said.

Malakar highlighted that despite free domestic waste collection, some residents in her Maligaon neighborhood fail to dispose of their waste properly, opting instead to dump it in drains and nearby water bodies at night.

"These individuals contribute to the problem by littering after the workers have collected their waste," she added.

The Need for Collective Action

The struggle against flooding and waste mismanagement in Guwahati is not merely a matter of government efficiency; it requires public accountability. Without a commitment to civic responsibility, even the best infrastructure will falter.

The future of Guwahati depends not only on effective policies but also on residents adopting cleaner habits and respecting their environment. The pressing question remains—are we prepared to take responsibility for our city?